Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away in Lahore

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Thu, 19 Nov 2020, 11:52 PM

ISLAMABAD, Nov 19 (APP): Allama 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.

“عالم اسلام کیلئے عظیم سانحہ”
کروڑوں عاشقان رسول کے دل کی دھڑکن، امیر تحریک لبیک پاکستان قبلہ شیخ الحدیث والتفسیر امیر المجاہدین قائد عالم اسلام علامہ حافظ خادم حسین رضوی دارفانی سے وصال فرما گئے۔
إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
— Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (@MarkazTLP) November 19, 2020

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.

On the passing of Maulana Khadim Hussain Rizvi my condolences go to his family. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2020

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

General Qamar Javed Bajwa,#COAS, expresses heartfelt condolence on the sad demise of Allama Khadim Hussain Rizvi. “May Allah Almighty bless the departed soul in eternal peace, Ameen” COAS.
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 19, 2020

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

اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ
سربراہ تحریک لبیک پاکستان علامہ خادم حسین رضوی کی وفات پر انکے اہل خانہ اور چاہنے والوں سے دلی تعزیت کرتے ہیں
اللہ تعالٰی مرحوم کی بخشش فرمائیں اور تمام پسماندگان کو صبر عطا کریں۔ آمین
— Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan (@Dr_FirdousPTI) November 19, 2020

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

علامہ خادم حسین رضوی کی اچانک وفات سے دلی صدمہ ہوا۔ اہل خانہ اور تحریک لبیک کے کارکنان و ذمہ داران کے غم میں برابر کے شریک ہیں، اظہار تعزیت کرتے ہیں اور اللہ تعالی کے حضور ان کی مغفرت کے لیے دعاگو ہیں۔ اللہ تعالی انھیں جنت الفردوس میں جگہ دے اور لواحقین کو صبرجمیل سے نوازے۔ آمین
— Siraj ul Haq (@SirajOfficial) November 19, 2020

Prime Minister Imran Khan’s consistent stance on Kashmir

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Shafek Koreshe

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Tue, 27 Oct 2020, 10:14 PM

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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

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Shafek Koreshe

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Thu, 22 Oct 2020, 12:36 AM

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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.

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.

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

WHO urges countries to raise taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol to save lives

By

NNPS Desk

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Wed, 14 Jan 2026, 12:39 AM

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UNITED NATIONS, Jan 14 (APP): Beverages like sugary drinks and alcohol are too accessible and cost too little in most of the world – helping fuel obesity, diabetes, cancer and injury, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned Tuesday.

As such, WHO, a Geneva-based UN agency, is calling on governments to significantly increase taxes on sugary drinks and alcohol, as two new reports reveal that levies remain low across many regions.

“Health taxes have been shown to reduce consumption of these harmful products, helping to prevent disease and reduce the burden on health systems,” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters virtually on Tuesday.

“At the same time, they generate an income stream that governments can use to invest in health, education and social protection.”

Among other findings, the report on sugar-sweetened beverage taxes shows that while at least 116 countries tax sugary drinks – including sodas or carbonated canned drinks – other high-sugar products, such as 100 per cent fruit juices, sweetened milk drinks, and ready-to-drink coffees and teas, escape taxation.

The report on the use of alcohol taxes shows that although 167 countries levy taxes on liquor, wine and beer, alcohol has become more affordable or remained unchanged in price in most countries since 2022, as taxes don’t get adjusted for inflation and income growth.

A cold and sweet pick-me-up from your local coffee shop on a hot day can have detrimental consequences, if consumed regularly.

The increased intake of sugary drinks is associated with:

— Increased risks of excess weight and obesity;
— Type 2 diabetes;
— Cardiovascular disease; and,
— Other adverse effects including dental caries and osteoporosis.

Similarly, the negative health impacts of alcohol include:

— Increasing risks for maternal and child health;
— Exposure to communicable and noncommunicable diseases;
— Damage to mental health; and,
— Increasing the likelihood of injury to yourself and others; and,

WHO said that increasing taxes on harmful beverages leads to fewer people consuming them.

To illustrate the success of this approach, WHO chief Tedros cited multiple examples including that of the UK, which introduced a tax on sugary drinks in 2018. This led to:

— Reduced sugar consumption;
— A £338 million revenue increase in 2024 alone; and,
— Lower obesity rates in girls aged 10 and 11, especially in deprived communities

In this regard, WHO is calling on governments to raise and redesign taxes as part of a new health initiative targeting tobacco use and excessive consumption of alcohol and sugary drinks.

FGP, ICSTSI hold consultative meeting on ease of doing business reforms

By

Qadir Rajpoot

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Tue, 13 Jan 2026, 11:55 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (APP):Freedom Gate Prosperity (FGP), in collaboration with the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) and the Atlas Network, held a consultative meeting on Tuesday to deliberate on easing business compliance and improving the ease of doing business for small traders and entrepreneurs.

The meeting marked the initiation of the implementation phase of the Digital Compliance Gateway initiative.

The event was held at the Islamabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industries (ICSTSI) and brought together policy advocates and representatives of the small business community to examine practical challenges in federal compliance processes. Participants discussed realistic reform options aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and encouraging the formalization of small enterprises.

The Freedom Gate Prosperity delegation was led by its Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Anwar and included Shafqat Aziz, Dr Shahbaz Tariq, and Asad Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of partner organization Micronox Digital.

FGP, ICSTSI hold consultative meeting on ease of doing business reforms

The session was hosted by ICSTSI President Muhammad Awais Satti, along with members of the Chamber’s executive committee and representatives of small traders and industries, including Senior Vice President Sheikh Tayyab Saeed, Vice President Sardar Zaheer Ahmed, Sher Muhammad, and other senior members.

Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Anwar said that fragmented and duplicative compliance requirements continue to place a heavy burden on small businesses by increasing costs and discouraging their entry into the formal economy.

He noted that the Digital Compliance Gateway is envisioned as a practical, evidence-based reform designed to consolidate initial compliance requirements through a simplified digital process, developed in close coordination with chambers representing grassroots entrepreneurs.

Welcoming the initiative, ICSTSI President Muhammad Awais Satti said that small traders frequently face delays, lack of clarity, and multiple points of interaction with regulatory institutions. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s support for policy reforms grounded in real business experience that can deliver tangible time and cost savings for small enterprises.

Participants agreed that the next phase of work would focus on documenting real compliance journeys of Chamber members, identifying key bottlenecks, and jointly developing a policy note for engagement with relevant federal authorities.

As a way forward, both sides agreed to nominate member businesses for case documentation, designate focal persons for coordination, and continue structured engagement to advance practical, pro-business regulatory reforms.

Agriculture Lab on Wheels’ to deliver farm services at farmers’ doorsteps

By

Qadir Rajpoot

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Tue, 13 Jan 2026, 11:51 PM

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LAHORE, Jan 13 (APP):On the directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab government has decided to launch a unique initiative titled “Agriculture Lab on Wheels” to provide essential agricultural services directly at the doorsteps of farmers across the province.

Under the programme, mobile agriculture laboratories will be established in 15 districts of Punjab, enabling farmers to obtain on-the-spot soil and water analysis reports. These services will help farmers accurately assess soil fertility and water quality, facilitating better crop planning and enhanced agricultural productivity.

To ensure effective implementation, a central control room will monitor the operations of the mobile laboratories, ensuring efficiency, coordination and transparency. Additionally, the government has decided to establish 100 container-based farmer facilitation centres across all districts of Punjab to further strengthen agricultural extension services.

These container farmer centres will be equipped with data call centres, agriculture officers, digital tools and other essential facilities, aimed at providing timely guidance, technical support and advisory services to farmers.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the initiative would ensure the provision of immediate, accurate and reliable agricultural information at farmers’ doorsteps, enabling them to make informed decisions. She expressed confidence that such farmer-friendly measures would contribute to achieving a record wheat yield during the current season.

The chief minister added that several projects aimed at farmers’ welfare, including the Kissan Card scheme and tractor-related initiatives, are already under implementation, reflecting the Punjab government’s strong commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

President Asif Zardari arrives in Bahrain on four-day official visit

By

NNPS Desk

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Tue, 13 Jan 2026, 11:42 PM

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MANAMA, Jan 13 (APP): President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Manama on Tuesday on a four-day official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation in key sectors.

Upon arrival, the president was received by Commander of the Bahrain National Guard Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Ambassador of Bahrain to Pakistan Mohammed Ibrahim Abdulqader and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Bahrain Saqib Rauf were also present on the occasion, a Presidency’s news release said.

During his visit, President Zardari is scheduled to hold meetings with the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The president will also address a reception at the headquarters of the Economic Development Board in Manama.

PEIRA orders ICT schools to enforce 10% free education quota

By

Qadir Rajpoot

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Tue, 13 Jan 2026, 11:33 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (APP):The Islamabad Capital Territory Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (ICT-PEIRA) has ordered all private schools in the federal capital to enforce the mandatory 10 percent need-based scholarship and free education quota.

The directive, issued under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2012, requires institutions to give priority to orphan children and children of Shuhadas while making admissions under the policy.

PEIRA has asked schools to submit details of students enrolled under this quota by January 20, 2026, warning that non-compliance will invite strict action under the ICT-PEIRA Act, 2013.

President, PM commend security forces for successful operation against terrorists in Qalat

By

NNPS Desk

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Tue, 13 Jan 2026, 11:29 PM

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tribute to the security forces for a successful intelligence-based operation against terrorists linked with Indian-backed proxy group Fitna-ul-Hindustan in Qalat district of Balochistan, and reaffirmed the state’s resolve to protect national security.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, the president lauded the professionalism and bravery of the security personnel, saying that actions against terrorists operating with foreign support were indispensable for safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and stability.

He reiterated that counter-terrorism operations would continue with full force under the framework of the National Action Plan and Azm-e-Istehkam to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

Separately, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also commended the security forces for the operation in Qalat, during which four terrorists of Fitna-ul-Hindustan were killed. I a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister praised the forces for their effective action and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

The PM stated that, under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, security forces were achieving significant successes against terrorist networks. He emphasized that the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan’s armed forces in this war against terrorism and reaffirmed the government’s determination to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.

Both the President and the Prime Minister expressed confidence in the capability and commitment of the security forces and underscored that operations against terrorist elements would continue until lasting peace and stability were ensured across Pakistan.