Wednesday, January 14, 2026
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Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): APP Digital NewsAllama Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the leader of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan breathed his last Thursday night at Lahore, his party announced. He was 55.

No reason for his death was given. His party officials said he was rushed to a hospital after he had problem breathing and had fever for past few days. However he was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital.

Senior TLP leader Syed Inayat-ul-Haq Shah also confirmed the news and asked the TLP workers to proceed to Lahore to participate in his last rites. The Tehreek-e-Labbaik announced that his funeral would be held on Saturday at 10 in the morning at Minar-e-Pakistan.

Videos on several social media accounts showed large number of his followers rushing to his home and crying over his sad demise.

The fire brand clerk was known for his protest marches, that often became violent and created law and order problems. His last protest was relatively shorter at Faizabad and ended only after a two day blockade of the twin cities on Monday.

Immediately after the confirmation of the news condolences poured in from all sections of society; including the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, Information Minister, Chief of Army Staff, Chief Minister Punjab and political leaders of many parties.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in a tweet expressed his grief over the sad demise of Allama Khadim Rizvi and conveyed condolences to his family.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa also conveyed his condolences over the demise of the TLP leader.

 

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information in Punjab also expressed grief over his sad demise.

Amir Jamat Islami also expressed his grief and prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul.

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s stance on Kashmir at international fora to highlight gruesome human rights violations by India

 

Indian media’s fake “civil war” in Pakistan, falls flat on face

By
Shafek Koreshe
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0
APP Digital Small logo
By Shafek Koreshe

In an abortive attempt to create diversion from Narendra Modi’s human rights abuses in Kashmir, the Indian media went berserk by propagating fake news about a “civil war” like situation in Karachi, triggering a hilarious response from the twitterati in Pakistan, who enjoyed every bit of the ridiculous reports.

#CivilWarInPakistan and #KarachiCivilWar were in no time the top trends, with the young twitter users going crazy by posting video clips from action movies, comics, images of the Indian MiG pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, shot down by Pakistan Air Force inside Pakistan’s territory, as scenes from the Civil War, getting an equally enthusiastic response with numerous retweets and likes.

The arrest of PML-N leader Captain (Retd) Safdar on charges of political sloganeering at Quaid’s Mausoleum and leave applications by senior police officers was exploited by the top Indian news channels, who portrayed an administrative issue as a “civil war” and went to the extent of even reporting casualties, and armed clashes.

Indian Media ditches professionalism to dip at to its lowest 

#FakeNews CNN18News
#FakeNews CNN18News

The news reports were part of a persistent barrage of fake news from Indian mainstream media and its RAW controlled assets on social media over the past few months. The trend has witnessed a sharp spike as part of India’s fifth generation war (5GW) against Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office on the “malicious and fabricated propaganda” by Indian mainstream and social media claiming civil unrest in Pakistan, said planting such baseless stories were reflective of the “Pakistan-obsessed BJP-RSS” mindset.

“Needless to say that Indian media continues to hit new lows,” he said, when asked to respond over the series of fake news flashed as breaking news across the Indian media about a “civil war in Pakistan”.

“Indian media continues to hit new lows”: FO

The Spokesperson said through “peddling fake news and running propaganda machinery”, India could not wash away the truth about its own gross and systematic human rights violations in Indian Ilelgally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

“Rather than reporting on humanitarian crisis in IIOJK, the Indian media chooses to spread fake and sensational news about Pakistan to detract from core issues,” he said.

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

 

#FakeNews - Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media
#FakeNews – Yet another figment of imagination of Indian Media

The Indian media tried hard to appease its own consumers and to create a diversion from its human rights abuses in occupied Kashmir. However in its abortive attempt it created history by churning out fake news overpowered by the anti-Pakistan hysteria, undermining its professional ethics and credibility.

#FakeNews - India Today with its concocted news story
#FakeNews – India Today with its concocted news story

The unleashing of the Indian media did not go unnoticed, as Michael Kugelman, deputy director at the @AsiaProgram and South Asia senior associate @TheWilsonCenter in a tweet pointed that the Indian disinformation accounts were exploiting Pakistan’s current political crisis, and “falsely claiming that the country is no experiencing urban warfare.”

He described the trend as “dangerous and disturbing”, as several of these accounts were verified and had huge followings.

Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari said the Indian media was in “hyper drive with fake news on Pakistan” and regretted that it was “unfortunate that Twitter is [deliberately ignoring it].”

All major media outlets in so-called world’s biggest democracy decimated all journalistic norms as none bothered to fact-check such a huge gaffe. India’s News18, India Today, Zee News, India.com and several others quoted the International Herald which showed old videos of bomb explosions in Pakistan and portrayed it as the ongoing civil war.

#FakeNews - Indian International Herald tweet
#FakeNews – Indian International Herald tweet

The Institute of Policy Research in a report said their data indicates a pattern of Indian propaganda against Pakistan on digital media that grew exponentially after 2018 General Elections in #Pakistan. The propaganda hovers around largely 4 key themes.

IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda
IPRI Timeline of Indian Propaganda

Minister for Ports and Shipping pointed that the Indian propaganda was at its peak and “sadly fueled by the PDM Circus.” He said the food inflation was artificially manufactured, but was being brought under control.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs also lambasted the “fake, fabricated and malicious propaganda campaign to malign State institutions of Pakistan. He urged @Twitter to take action against Indian accounts for #FakeNews against Paksitan.

However, this idiocy of Indian media gave the Twitterati a perfect chance to enjoy as the microblogging site was flooded with messages to ridicule the Indian media’s insanity.

“Karachi civil war has gotten so bad that my food panda delivery boy had to crawl through mine fields carrying his AK47, RPG & 9mm along with my nihari and Biryani. This thing is getting so serious. Multiple cows have been killed & people are dying of over eating. #IndianMedia,” commented renowned singer Fakhr-e-Alam.

Besides numerous other fake photos, the Indian media also used an image of a building collapsed following a gas leakage blast in Karachi earlier in the day to substantiate its fake news of civil war.

“A little investigation would have informed Zee News that it wasn’t a bomb blast in ‘civil war’ in Pakistan but the result of a  gas leak in Karachi. Whither truth, objectivity, balance and fairness in reporting?,” said Farhatullah Babr, former senator of Pakistan Peoples Party which rules Sindh province.

“An Aircraft shot during civil war in Karachi… and the pilot captured…,” commented another Twitter user Fasihuddin while sharing the images of Indian aircraft MiG-21 and captured injured pilot Abhinandan following an aerial dogfight during India-Pakistan standoff in 2019.

Education, health among top priorities of govt: Says CM Bugti

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
QUETTA, Jan 14 (APP):Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti on Wednesday said that education and health are among the top priorities of the provincial government and sustainable development could not be achieved without improvements in these sectors.
He said this while talking to Luay Shabaneh, Country Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), a subsidiary of the United Nations called on him here.
The meeting discussed in detail the challenges being faced by Balochistan related to population, maternal and child health, youth and women’s welfare, and promotion of data-based policy making.
The meeting was attended by Parliamentary Secretary Population Agha Umar Khan Ahmadzai, Chief Secretary Balochistan Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary Population Zafar Khan Buledi, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Babar Khan, and Head of UNFPA Quetta Sadia Atta.
During the meeting, it was agreed that a coordinated and effective provincial task force for population-related matters would be established in Balochistan, which would ensure coordination among different departments and monitor the effective implementation of policies related to population, health, and education.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that policy making would be aligned with modern requirements through advocacy and a strong data governance framework so that all decisions related to population could be made based on authentic data and evidence.
He clarified that education and health are among the top priorities of the provincial government and sustainable development could not be achieved without improvements in these sectors.
The CM stressed that institutional reforms are indispensable for improving maternal and child health indicators, while calling the welfare of youth and women the foundation of the province’s socio-economic development.
He said that investment in human development is the guarantee of a bright future for Balochistan.
While appreciating the policy priorities and reform initiatives of the Balochistan government, Luay Shabaneh expressed his determination that UNFPA would further strengthen its cooperation in projects related to population, health and human development in Balochistan and could continue to work in close collaboration with the provincial government.

PRA to bring long-standing non-taxpayers into tax net

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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LAHORE, Jan 14 (APP):Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) has decided to bring individuals and companies which have remained outside the tax net for a long time into the formal taxation system.
Under this decision, service-providing companies across the province will be required to ensure mandatory registration with Punjab Revenue Authority. Registration under the E-Invoicing Monitoring System (EIMS) and timely payment of due taxes will also be made mandatory.
A meeting to review the performance of field operations, revenue targets and EIMS registration was held under the chairmanship of Chairman Punjab Revenue Authority, Muazzam Iqbal Sipra, here on Wednesday.
During the meeting, dissatisfaction was expressed over the performance of Sargodha and Bahawalpur divisions for failing to achieve their assigned targets.
The Chairman PRA directed that a comprehensive training programme for all field teams will be launched this month to enhance their operational capacity. He further instructed officers to intensify field operations and ensure facilitation measures for taxpayers to promote voluntary compliance.
Commissioners of all districts and Enforcement Officers participated in the meeting via video link.

Pakistan makes inroads on Amazon Prime with “Qulfee”

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
KARACHI, Jan 14 (APP):Pakistani Crime Thriller Qulfee, released last year at Eid-ul-Fitr,  is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, marking a major milestone for Independent Pakistani Cinema, it was announced by the film’s producer-cum-creative director.
According to press release, the film’s release on one of the world’s most prominent OTT platforms is being widely regarded as a significant achievement for independent Pakistani filmmaking and storytelling, paving the way for future endeavors by young Pakistani film producers.
With its release on Amazon Prime Video, Qulfee stands as a testament to the growing global reach of Pakistani cinema, showcasing bold storytelling, technical ambition, and narrative depth. The film’s journey reflects years of creative dedication and reinforces the increasing presence of Pakistani content on international streaming platforms.
Written and produced by Mashood Qadri, who also serves as the film’s Creative Director, Qulfee is a gripping crime caper infused with romance, dark humor, and suspense. The film presents a stylish yet intense narrative that blends technology, crime, and human emotion into a fast-paced cinematic experience.
Qulfee follows the story of Xulfee (Shehroz), a brilliant hacker driven by revenge and unresolved trauma. He cracks a lethal software known as “Qulfee” – a digital weapon powerful enough to drain banks within seconds. Yet Xulfee’s ambition is not personal wealth; he is on a relentless mission to expose and destroy GC (Shamyl), a feared mafia lord and state criminal who murdered his father 25 years ago.
As the stakes rise, powerful forces close in. GC desperately seeks the software to secure his criminal empire, while Khadim (Moammar Rana), a sharp and calculating police officer, watches from the sidelines, allowing enemies to collide before making his move. Komal (Saeeda), the woman Xulfee loves, finds herself trapped between loyalty and fear as his dangerous choices threaten everything they share. Adding further intrigue are Sana Fakhar as a determined police crime specialist and Javed Sheikh as Uncle Thurkee, whose humor offers a striking contrast to the high-stakes drama.
What unfolds is a dangerous game of deception, shifting alliances, and moral ambiguity, where nothing is as it seems and the true mastermind remains hidden until the final moments. As fate intervenes and plans unravel, Qulfee builds toward an unpredictable climax that keeps audiences guessing.

Federal Minister Salik, Balochistan CM discuss overseas employment, skill development

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
QUETTA, Jan 14 (APP):Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain called on Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti here on Wednesday.
In the meeting, matters of mutual interest, especially manpower development, youth skill development and employment opportunities abroad were discussed in detail.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti apprised the Federal Minister about the aims and objectives, progress and future strategy of the Chief Minister Youth Skills Development Program.
The Chief Minister said that the provincial government is taking coordinated and practical steps to provide skills compatible with modern requirements to the youth of the province so that they could get better opportunities for decent employment.
He said that under the Chief Minister Youth Skills Development Program, youth are being trained according to the needs of the local and international market, which aims to make the youth self-sufficient and make full use of employment opportunities abroad.
He said that skilled youth would not only improve the economic conditions of themselves and their families but will also become a source of valuable foreign exchange for the country.
Salik Hussain appreciated the steps taken by the Balochistan government for the welfare and skill development of the youth and assured full cooperation from the federal government in this regard.
He said that the goals of manpower development could be achieved effectively through mutual cooperation between the provinces and the federation.
It was also agreed in the meeting that federal and provincial institutions would jointly take joint steps to increase employment opportunities for youth abroad, make training programs more effective and strengthen institutional linkages.

PM announces expedited Karachi–Chaman highway overhaul, major development initiatives for Balochistan

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 (APP):Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday announced that work on the long-awaited Karachi–Chaman highway, often referred to as a bloody road due to frequent accidents, has formally begun and will now be completed within a year instead of the originally planned two years.
Addressing the federal cabinet members before the meeting, the prime minister said he had recently visited Quetta, where the foundation stone of the nearly 850-kilometre highway was laid.
He said the Ministry of Communications had proposed a two-year completion timeline, but he had directed that the project be finished within one year. “The project will cost approximately Rs400 billion, to be fully financed by the federal government,” he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recalled that around six months ago, when international oil and petroleum prices were plummeting, the government had decided to retain prices domestically. He said the savings generated from that decision were now being utilised to transform the dangerous highway into a road of prosperity.
PM Sharif said a Rs75 billion agricultural package for farmers had been completed. “Of this amount, Rs50 billion was provided by the federal government. The package had successfully addressed the long-standing issue of electricity theft in the province. Through the installation of solar panels, farmers are now able to irrigate their lands independently, ensuring sustainable agricultural activity,” he said.
The prime minister also announced significant progress on the establishment of Daanish schools in the province. He said construction had not only been initiated but contractors had already been mobilised during the current month. “Five Daanish schools are already planned, while two additional schools have been announced during his visit, bringing the total to seven,” he added. He expressed confidence that all seven Daanish schools would be completed by the end of this year.
Shehbaz Sharif said that under the Prime Minister’s education programmes, up to 100,000 laptops were being distributed across the country. In addition, thousands of deserving male and female students were being provided scholarships to pursue higher education so they could contribute to Pakistan’s future development, he added.
He said the government was making concerted efforts to move these initiatives forward and expressed satisfaction over improving economic stability. “Now, God willing, we will take further steps for development that will provide growth to Pakistan’s economy and put the country on the path of progress and prosperity,” he added.
The prime minister thanked stakeholders for their efforts and confidence in the government’s policies.
Later, during an exchange of views on the overall political and security situation, the prime minister said that following the success in Marka-e-Haq, demand for Pakistan’s defence equipment had increased.
He said several countries were now engaged in talks to acquire Pakistani military hardware. He also paid tribute to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies for their relentless efforts and sacrifices to curb the menace of terrorism.

Ayaz calls for stronger Pakistan–EU inter-parliamentary ties

By
NNPS Desk
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0

ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 (APP): Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Wednesday emphasized that strengthened inter-parliamentary linkages between Pakistan and European Union (EU) member states can play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding and enhancing cooperation.

He made these remarks during a meeting with the Ambassador of European Union to Pakistan, Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, at the Parliament House.

The Speaker reaffirmed his commitment to further deepening cordial relations with the EU and highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing shared interests.

Ayaz Sadiq warmly welcomed the EU Ambassador and underscored the significance of sustained parliamentary engagement.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on Pakistan-EU bilateral relations, prospects for expanding cooperation across various sectors and key regional and global developments.

The Speaker conveyed his best wishes for peace and stability in Europe, particularly in Ukraine and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis congratulated Pakistan on its GSP+ status and expressed strong interest in further strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union.

He also appreciated the positive role played by the Pakistani diaspora in EU member states, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the development and prosperity of European societies.

The Ambassador commended Ayaz Sadiq for his efforts in promoting democratic values and for conducting the proceedings of the National Assembly in a democratic, transparent and impartial manner.

NEECA, Malik Group unveil roadmap for 3,000 EV charging stations

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 (APP):Malik Khuda Baksh, Chief Executive Officer of Malik Group of Companies, in a meeting with Additional Secretary and Managing Director of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), Humayon Khan, unveiled the approved roadmap for establishing 3,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Pakistan.
Humayon Khan reaffirmed the authority’s full institutional backing and pledged to expand the initiative to 6,000 EV charging stations nationwide.
The meeting, held at the office of Humayon Khan, reviewed key hurdles delaying the roll-out of EV charging stations.
Discussions focused on EV charger imports, including customs duties, regulatory documentation, and inter-agency coordination.
Humayon Khan welcomed the proposal and sought recommendations for internationally compliant EV charger brands, along with a detailed issue-and-solutions report within three days to ensure timely facilitation and effective implementation of the national green mobility initiative.
Despite the issuance of 13 licenses by NEECA and the arrival of five EV charging units at designated sites, progress remains hampered by procedural bottlenecks. Officials cited delays in electricity connections, prolonged installation of separate meters, and pending No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from distribution companies (DISCOs) and Oil Marketing Companies, which continue to stall operational readiness.

DPM Dar, Roeslani discuss strengthening Pakistan-Indonesia economic, investment partnership

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 (APP):Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister (DPM/FM), Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday spoke with Minister of Investment & Downstream Industry and Chief Executive Officer of Indonesia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (Danantara), Rosan Roeslani.
During the interaction, the discussion focused on strengthening economic and investment partnership between Pakistan and Indonesia. Both sides reviewed potential avenues for investment collaboration and mutually beneficial projects, a DPM’s Office news release said.

IESCO notifies power suspension programme

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 (APP):The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) on Wednesday issued a power suspension programme for Thursday, in various areas of its region due to necessary maintenance and routine development work.
According to an IESCO spokesperson, the power supply of several feeders and grid stations will remain suspended from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in areas under Islamabad Circle, Kund Rajgan, Scheme-II, King Hammad, and Chatta Bakhtawar feeders, in Rawalpindi City Circle, F/Block, B/Block, Khurram Colony, Al-Noor Colony, Farooq-E-Azam, Sector-4, Affandi Colony, Dhoke Hukamdad, Iqbal Road-II, Gulshan Abad, Jamia Masjid, Jinnah Road, Mangtal, Ali Market, Asghar Mall, Misrial Road, People Colony, New Race Course, Radio Pak-I, Bhadana, Eighteen, Pind Hoon, Ratta, and Railway Colony feeders.
Similarly, areas under Rawalpindi Cantt Circle will face a power suspension, affecting Kashmir Road, Adamjee Road, Mecca Chowk, Car Chowk, Model Town, MSF, Park View, K/H Road, Gulishanabad, Hayal, Girja-1, Choungi No-22, Rajjar, Dhoke Awan, Kahuta City-II, Khawaja, Chowk Pindori, New Choa, Ghazan Khan, Nara Matore, Ghumti, Pind Jhatla, Bhangali, Syed Kasran, C/B Khan-2, Dhoke Farman Ali, Tipu Road, and Makkah Chowk  feeders. In Attock Circle, electricity supply will remain suspended from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in areas fed by Bhoi Gar, Salargah, Ghazi Kohli, Museum (D/S), Nisar Shaheed (D/C), Saifiya Town, Millat Colony, Cabinet Division, Small Industrial Estate, N-Block, Munir Abad, Burhan, Hazro, Hattian, Qazi Abad, GBHP Colony, Shamsabad, Attock Rural, Katchery, Miskeenabad, Waisa, Malhowali, Bhatiot, Moorat, Jand-2, Pind Sultani, Dhurnal, Fateh Jang, Dakhnair, Attock Cantt, Dhoke Fateh, Darul Islam, Bagh Neelab, Sangjani, Pind Parian, Sara-e-Kharboza, Shah Allah Ditta, Gulshan-e-Sehat, Paswal, and Darya Sharif feeders, from 08:00 am to 04:00 pm, Lala Rukh, Hasanabdal, Munirabad, POF Emergency, Bhater, Chakwal Circle  feeders.
Meanwhile, consumers in Chakwal Circle will face a power outage in areas connected to Bhoun, Balkassar, Millat Chowk, Jamalwal, Sardhi, Main Bazar, Dera Muslim, Dhudial Express, Shahpur Syedan, Behkri, Dandot, Duffer, Katas, Lilla Town, P.D. Khan, Sagharpur, Kot Gullah, Kot Shera, Pichnand, Kaloo, Dhok Pathan, Kot Sarang, Tehi, Daroot, Mial, Wanhhar, Abdullah Pur, and Jalal Pur feeders. In Jhelum Circle, electricity supply will remain suspended during the same time in F-7 (Kutchery), Saeela, New Cantt Jhelum, Nougran, Shakreela, Sarai-A-Gir, Akram Shaheed, F-10 (Kala Base), COD Kala, P.T.C, F-2 (Chip Board), Mangla Cantt, Captain Nisar Shaheed, Phadial, Khai Kulia, Mumtaz Shaheed, Dina-4 (City), Karoli, Ghouri Dhamaik, Baba Shaheed, Thakra, and Qazian feeders.
Under GSO Circle, from 09:00 am to 02:00 pm, Galf City, NIC, TNT, and Angori Feeders, from 09:00 am to 03:00 pm, Model Town, Mehboob Shaheed, Dhoke Awan, Car Chowk, Layyer Colony, Humak, Morgah, Imarat, and Mohra Nagial Feeders, from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Brot Gala, Darbar Mai Toti, Khoi Ratta City, Cherohi Express, Dana Behal, Charoi Dongi, Seri, City, Kraila, Jandrot Dabsi, Datot, Mujhan, and Khoi Ratta Express Feeders, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, Sowan, AWHS-1, Park View, I.S.T, Zaraj-1, Sarwar Shaheed, and Walyat Complex feeders and surrounding areas will remain closed.
IESCO management apologizes to its esteemed customers for the power outage. If the work is completed ahead of time, the power supply can be restored even before the scheduled time.

German Ambassador, ICCI President agree to act as bridge between German investors, Pakistani enterprises

By
Qadir Rajpoot
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0
ISLAMABAD, Jan 14 (APP):The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Pakistan,Ms. Ina Lepel accompanied by Ms. Janine Rohwer, Counsellor Political and Economic Affairs and Climate Change visited the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and held an interactive session with the business community of Islamabad, reaffirming Germany’s strong commitment to further strengthening bilateral economic relations with Pakistan.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ina Lepel reiterated Germany’s readiness to enhance cooperation with Pakistan in key areas including climate change, health and social protection, private sector development, and the upgradation of vocational and technical education institutions.
She emphasized that these collaborative efforts would contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth and deeper economic ties between the two countries.
The Ambassador noted that vast untapped potential exists for cooperation between Pakistan and Germany and expressed her keen interest in exploring new avenues of collaboration in close coordination with Pakistan’s business community.
Highlighting the critical role of the private sector, she stressed that businesses from both countries can play a pivotal role in expanding trade and investment relations. She assured the business community of the German Embassy’s full support, particularly in strengthening business-to-business (B2B) linkages and identifying promising sectors for cooperation.
Ambassador Lepel also acknowledged the importance of trade fairs and exhibitions as effective tools for promoting trade, investment, and mutual understanding between nations. She appreciated ICCI’s proactive initiatives, especially its efforts to support women-led enterprises and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Earlier, in his welcome address, President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sardar Tahir Mehmood highlighted that Pakistan-Germany relations are deeply rooted in mutual respect and long-standing cooperation across diplomatic, economic, and cultural domains.
He noted that Germany is one of the largest economies in the European Union and a key economic partner for Pakistan, particularly in sectors such as machinery, engineering, automotive, and chemicals. He further pointed out that Pakistan’s exports to Germany—especially textiles, leather goods, sports goods, footwear, and medical instruments reflect strong complementarities between the two markets.
The ICCI President added that the Chamber represents a vibrant and diverse business community comprising SMEs, exporters, startups, and industrial stakeholders. He expressed firm belief that enhanced engagement between German and Pakistani businesses could unlock new opportunities for trade expansion, technology transfer, and investment cooperation.
Reaffirming ICCI’s commitment, he stated that the Chamber stands ready to act as a bridge between German investors and Pakistani enterprises to facilitate meaningful and mutually beneficial collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman ICCI Committee on Diplomatic Affairs, Zafar Bakhtawari, assured the Ambassador of ICCI’s full support to the German Embassy in promoting bilateral trade and investment.
He underlined the need for direct flights between Pakistan and Germany to enhance people-to-people and business-to-business linkages. He also proposed convening a grand session on Pakistan-Germany multilateral relations at the ICCI auditorium.
Former President ICCI, Mian Akram Farid, lauded Germany for playing a significant and supportive role in Pakistan’s GSP+ status by consistently advocating for it within the European Union, providing development assistance linked to reforms, and leveraging strong bilateral ties.
Senior Vice President ICCI Tahir Ayub and Vice President Irfan Chaudhry, in their remarks, emphasized the need for sustained institutional collaboration between chambers of commerce of both countries. They highlighted opportunities for joint ventures, technology sharing, and SME cooperation, and stressed that stronger engagement with German businesses would help Pakistani enterprises integrate into global value chains.
Chairman ICCI Foreign Delegation Committee, Imran Minhas, emphasized the need for increased exchange of business delegations between the two countries to further strengthen commercial relations. ICCI Executive Member Fatima Azim shared her vision for encouraging and empowering women entrepreneurs to play a greater role in bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Prominent participants at the session included Council Member Chaudhry Waheed-ud-Din; Executive Members Malik Mohsin Khalid, Abdur Rehman Siddiqui, Chaudhry Nadeem Ahmed, Ishaq Sial, and Zulqurnain Abbasi; former Vice President Ashfaq Chattah, along with a large number of representatives from the business community.
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