Karachi rings in New Year with record breaking cold

Mercury dropped as low as 5.6 degrees Celsius in Karachi early Friday morning, breaking the ten-year record for the lowest temperature in the port city, reported.

Before this, 6.5 degrees Celsius was the city’s lowest minimum temperature recorded in 2014, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PDM). The maximum temperature is expected to range between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius during the day, it said.

Wind speed is currently eight to ten kilometres per hour. The weather department said the cold wave would subside in few days with the entry of a new weather system in the country.

Cold and dry weather is expected in most parts of the country. However very cold weather is expected in Upper Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, north Balochistan, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Fog is likely to prevail in Plain areas of Punjab and upper Sindh.

The lowest minimum temperature recorded in the country was -17.7 degrees Celsius in Astore.

Corona claims 71 more lives within 24 hrs across the country

The statistics of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has shown that the coronavirus pandemic claims 71 more lives, whereas, 2,463 new infections were reported during the last 24 hours reported on Friday.

In the past 24 hours, 71 more people succumbed to the disease, taking the death toll to 10,176. 2,156 patients have recovered from the virus in a day and 2,216 patients are in critical condition.

The total count of active cases is 34,773.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), with fresh inclusion of the infections in the country the national tally of cases now currently stands at 482,178.

A total of 41,039 tests were conducted across the country during this period. Overall 437,229 people have recovered from the deadly disease so far while 6,737,107 samples have been tested thus far.

Aaj Ka Such With Nadeem Hussain 31 December 2020

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 31 December 2020

Talk @7 31 December 2020

Pakistan, China reaffirm commitment to regional peace

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Thursday reaffirmed the commitment of their countries to collaborate for peace and stability in the region.

During a telephonic conversation, Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that India’s Hindutva policies are a threat to regional peace.

Matters of mutual interest, bilateral ties, Afghan peace process, COVID-19 vaccine and other issues came under discussion during the telephone call.

FM Qureshi said that Pakistan will continue to support the “One China policy”. He also greeted his Chinese counterpart on the eve of the new year.

Earlier on August 21, Pakistan and China had reached consensus to collectively take measures to safeguard their common interests and promote peace, prosperity, and development in the region.

The consensus to this effect had been reached during the second round of China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Hainan, China, that day.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi had represented Pakistan while the Chinese side was represented by the State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office.

UAE announces public holiday on January 1

The United Arab Emirates has announced that January 1, 2021, would be a public holiday in the country.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation on Tuesday announced that all public and private sector employees will get a day off to mark the new year.

However, with January 1 falling on a Friday, most workers will not get an additional day off.

The country's human resources minister, Nasser Bin Thani Al Hamli, announced that it would be a paid holiday for all private-sector establishments, on the occasion of New Year, as per the decision of the UAE Cabinet on official holidays for 2021.

Trump supporters launch yet another move to stop Biden

Conservative lawmakers in both chambers of the US Congress launched yet another bid on Wednesday to prevent US President-elect Joe Biden from taking oath on Jan 20.

Supporters of the outgoing US President Donald Trump needed a senator and a member of the House of Representatives to challenge the election results, and on Wednesday a Republican senator — Josh Hawley of Missouri — offered to back the move.

A group of conservative lawmakers in the House have already pledged to back Trump’s move to overturn the results of the presidential election.

Although Senator Hawley’s endorsement completes the process, other Republican senators also have indicated their intention to back President Trump’s move.

The letter that Congressman Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican, sent to the House and Senate leaderships, has the signatures of 18 congressmen and women. In the letter, they wrote that they want Congress to “hold an election fraud hearing ahead of the Jan 6 electoral college vote submissions”.

"I cannot vote to certify the electoral college results on Jan 6 without raising the fact that some states, particularly Pennsylvania, failed to follow their own state election laws," Senator Hawley said in his statement.

All 438 members of the House and 100 Senators will meet on Jan 6 to consider and endorse the Dec 14 proceedings when all 538 electors met in the state capitals to cast their votes. A total of 306 electors voted for Biden while 232 voted for Trump.

If Congress meets on Jan 6 to consider submissions of the electoral votes, Biden will be confirmed and will take oath as the 46th president on Jan 20.

As the US media pointed out, the objections raised on Wednesday are unlikely to change the outcome of the election, but they can delay Biden's affirmation.

Democrats, who have a majority in the House, have already said they will reject the move and multiple Republican senators have also urged Trump to end his efforts to undo the results.

Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have also pointed out that Biden has beaten Trump in the popular vote too — winning 81,283,485 votes against his Republican rival’s 74,223,744.

Reports in the US media suggest Republican lawmakers want to avoid being asked to vote on whether to side with Trump or with the popular will of the voters. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has privately urged Senate Republicans not to join the move to undo election results.

Senate Majority Whip John Thune has argued against it publicly, but Trump still wants the Republicans to support him on Jan 6.

NA speaker dismisses 'unverified' PML-N MNAs' resignations

The resignations submitted by two PML-N lawmakers have been declared 'fake' by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser after the parliamentarians failed to verify them.

Murtaza Javed and Dr Mohammad Sajjad Awan had submitted their resignations on December 14 following the Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) decision to resign from the Parliament in lieu of their anti-government protests.

However, the lawmakers did not verify their resignations and termed them fake. "Since the resignations could not be authenticated, they have been dismissed and no further action is required," said a statement issued by the House.

As part of its anti-government movement, the 11-party opposition alliance decided that its lawmakers in the national and provincial assemblies will hand in their resignations to their party heads by December 31.

The PDM has also demanded Prime Minister Imran Khan resign by January 31 or face intensified protests including a long march to the federal capital.

PM Imran Khan extends fixed tax regime for construction sector till December 31, 2021

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced that the fixed tax regime for the construction sector has been extended to December 31, 2021.

PM Khan said that the construction industry was waiting for such a development, adding that an extension to the fixed tax regime was a 'big demand' from the industry and now it will have an extra year at its disposal.

The PM was speaking during a weekly review meeting of high-priority economic sectors along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Security Division and Strategic Policy Planning Moeed Yusuf.

Chief secretaries of all the four provinces also partook in the meeting via video link.

During the meeting, PM Khan directed his cabinet to implement new reforms to six sectors, including food security, construction, economy, power and electricity, and manpower.

Speaking about the incentives that the government provided to the construction industry earlier this year, PM Imran Khan said that the industry showed considerable progress as projects worth Rs186 billion were registered with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

He added that it was because of the progress of the construction industry that Pakistan was steered away from economic crisis amid the pandemic.

"There are more construction projects worth Rs116 billion which have been registered on FBR's portal and are yet to be drafted," the PM said. "Meanwhile, the approval process of projects worth 136 billion are also currently underway."

PM Imran Khan said that as per the government's plan, the economic activity generated from these construction projects in Punjab alone would be worth Rs1,500 billion, which would, in turn, create more than 25 million jobs in the province.

He also informed his cabinet members that projects worth Rs163 billion have already started in Punjab.

"Similarly, we have initiated projects in other parts of the country too, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan."

Special packages for low-cost housing

The PM said that his government also provided special packages for the salaried class to be able to purchase low-cost houses, adding that banks have been instructed to extend full support to people in this regard.

"Banks have set aside Rs378 billion for the construction sector," the PM said. "For low-cost houses, banks will lend loans on 5% to 7% interest rates, and in the first phase, 0.1 million houses will be constructed along with a grant of Rs0.3 million."

The PM added that in bigger cities of the country, the government is working on master plans under which problems of sewerage and water supply will be addressed.

Shedding light on other developmental projects in the country, the premier said that the process of digitalisation of land-related data will be completed in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad by August 2021.

The PM also said that the fixed tax regime for the construction sector will be expanded until December 2021.

"The progress in the construction industry has also led to an increase in the sales of cement, barring, and other related equipment."

'Smart lockdown exceptionally beneficial for the country'

Prime Minister Imran Khan also said that his government devised careful strategies to save the country from the economic crisis brought about by the coronavirus lockdown.

"During the first wave of the pandemic, the government saved the citizens from unemployment and starvation," the PM said, adding that the strategy of imposing a 'smart lockdown' turned out to be exceptionally beneficial for the country."

Such Savera 31 December 2020

Nazran-e-Aqeedat(Wildhat Imam Zain-ul-Abdin) - 31-December 2020

Aaj Kay Akhbar 31 December 2020

CJP takes notice of vandalism at Karak Hindu shrine

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) on Thursday took notice of a tragic incident of vandalism at the shrine of a Hindu saint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Karak district.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar, MNA and Patron in Chief Pakistan Hindu Council, called on the chief justice at the Supreme Court’s Karachi registry and raised the issue of “desecration/burning of shrine of Hindu saint Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj” by a mob in Karak on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the SC.

CJP Ahmed showed grave concern over the tragic incident and informed the member of Parliament that he has already taken cognizance of the matter and has fixed it before a bench for hearing on Jan 5 (Tuesday).

The country’s top adjudicator issued directions to the one-man commission on minorities rights, KPK chief secretary and IGP to visit the site of the shrine and submit a report on Monday.

According to reports, a mob set on fire the shrine of the Hindu saint and demolished several of its parts in Teri area of Karak.

New year Night: Islamabad police have finalised a comprehensive security plan

The Islamabad police have finalised a comprehensive security plan on eve of New Year night in the federal capital, on Thursday.

Around 2000 police personnel have been deployed to ensure foolproof security and keep a vigilant eye during possible celebrations on New Year night.

Police contingent deployed at important places, shopping centres, main markets for the safety of public on the eve of New Year night.

DIG Operations Waqar Uddin directed strict action against those involved in one-wheeling, racing, fireworks and aerial firing. The SSP (Traffic) would ensure all measures for smooth traffic flow in the city while traffic police will also coordinate with the city police to maintain law and order and control traffic on the occasion.

He has appealed the citizens to demonstrate responsibility in their attitude and act like a member of civilized society.

Meanwhile, Sindh police have warned revellers against indulging in celebratory aerial firing on New Year’s Eve to avoid untoward incidents.

Additional Inspector General (AIG) Karachi Ghulam Nabi Memon, while talking to ARY News, said an attempted murder case will be registered against those found resorting to aerial firing.

Court handed over Khawaja Asif to NAB on physical remand

An accountability court in Lahore has handed over Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Khawaja Muhammad Asif to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on physical remand till January 13 in assets beyond income case, reported on Thursday.

Judge Jawadul Hassan heard the assets beyond income case against the PML-N lawmaker where the prosecution sought physical remand of the accused. The NAB officials produced Khawaja Asif before the accountability court earlier today.

The prosecutor told the court that an inquiry is underway against Khawaja Asif regarding his assets. The politician had been given several chances to give clarification about his assets, however, Asif failed to provide a satisfactory response to the investigators, he added.

Khawaja Asif, his wife and son are possessing assets worth over Rs810 million.

During the hearing, Khawaja Asif sought permission of the judge to talk in the Punjabi language. The PML-N central leader said he became a Member of National Assembly (MNA) for seven times and already faced an inquiry in Rawalpindi.

He continued that the anti-corruption watchdog initiated the same inquiry in Lahore after facing failure in Rawalpindi. Asif added that the details of transactions have been provided to NAB investigators besides the provision of related particulars.

Later, the judge approved physical remand of Khawaja Asif to NAB till January 13. The court directed relevant authorities to provide homemade food to Asif, medical facilities, as well as allowing him to meet his family members and lawyers.

Yesterday, an accountability court in Islamabad had approved one-day transit remand of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Khawaja Muhammad Asif before transferring him to Lahore for proceeding in the case in the concerned court.

Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Khawaja Muhammad Asif had been arrested on Tuesday by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials for allegedly having inordinate wealth compared to the sources of income.

NAB officials had confirmed that the arrest was sanctioned by Chairman NAB Justice retd Javed Iqbal himself after he could not convince the three-member committee of NAB investigation on how he made assets that do not conform to his means of earning.

China gives its first COVID-19 vaccine approval to Sinopharm

China approved a COVID-19 vaccine developed by an affiliate of state-backed pharmaceutical giant Sinopharm on Thursday, its first approved shot for general public use as it braces for increased transmission risks over winter.

No detailed efficacy data of the vaccine has been publicly released but its developer, Beijing Biological Products Institute, a unit of Sinopharm subsidiary China National Biotec Group (CNBG), said on Wednesday its vaccine was 79.34% effective in preventing people from developing the disease based on interim data.

The approval comes after the United Arab Emirates this month became the first country to roll out the vaccine to the public.

While China has been slower than several other countries in approving COVID-19 vaccines, it has been inoculating its citizens for months with three different shots still undergoing late-stage trials.

China launched an emergency use programme in July aimed at essential workers and others at high risk of infection and as of the end of November, had administered 1.5 million doses using at least three different products – two developed by CNBG and one by Sinovac.

While the efficacy of the Sinopharm shot trails the more than 90% success rate of rival vaccines from Pfizer Inc and its partner BioNTech and Moderna Inc, it points to progress China has made in the global race to develop successful COVID-19 vaccines.

The regulatory approval is a conditional, given to vaccines deemed urgently needed to cope with major public health emergencies even though complete clinical trials have yet to be completed, China’s National Medical Products Administration said on Thursday.

The approval came as Britain on Wednesday approved a second COVID-19 vaccine, a shot developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, as it battles a major winter surge driven by a new variant of the virus.

Dense fog disrupts air, road traffic in Punjab

ir and road traffic have disrupted owing to poor visibility owing to dense fog in different parts of Punjab including Lahore while the visibility rate at Allama Iqbal International Airport reduced to as low as 50 metres, reported on Thursday.

Seven flights were cancelled and 13 delayed due to poor visibility caused by heavy fog.

Some sections of motorways have been closed as traffic was halted at M-2 from Thokar Niaz Baig to Pindi Bhattian, Lahore to Sialkot Motorway and Lahore to Jaranwala M-3, according to Motorway Police spokesperson.

Moreover, the fog blankets different routes of National Highway including Thokar Niaz Baig, Chaung, Maraka, Bhattian, Manga Mandi, Pattoki, Jambar and Phool Nagar which reduces visibility rate to 30 metres.

In Punjab’s Farooqabad, the visibility rate decreased to 10 metres as well which caused disruption in road traffic in the city and its surrounding areas. The residents of Daska are also facing trouble in travelling as the visibility rate reached zero in the city and its adjoining areas amid extremely cold weather.

Pakistan records 2,475 new corona cases, 58 deaths within 24 hours

The statistics of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has shown that the coronavirus pandemic claims 58 more lives, whereas, 2,475 new infections were reported during the last 24 hours, on Thursday.

In the past 24 hours, 58 more people succumbed to the disease, taking the death toll to 10,105. 4,960 patients have recovered from the virus in a day and 2,206 patients are in critical condition.

The total count of active cases is 34,537.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), with fresh inclusion of the infections in the country the national tally of cases now currently stands at 479,715.

A total of 39,695 tests were conducted across the country during this period. Overall 435,073 people have recovered from the deadly disease so far while 6,696,068 samples have been tested thus far.

Quaid Tujhe Salam 30 December 2020

Talk @ 7 30 December 2020

Goya With Arsalan Khalid 30 December 2020

Aaj Ka Such With Nadeem Hussain 30 December 2020

Over 200 complaints made against UK channel over ‘deepfake’ Queen’s speech

A computer-generated Queen dancing across TV screens on Christmas day seems to have sparked controversy among British viewers.

The fake address was screened right after the Queen delivered her traditional yearly address.

In times of widespread misinformation, as reported by CNN, the channel seemed to offer "a stark warning about the advanced technology that is enabling the proliferation of misinformation and fake news in a digital age".

The speech included jokes about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's move to the US, and an affirmation surrounding the Duke of York’s connection to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The fake Queen in the alternate message also spoke about watching movies on Netflix, and perfecting moves on TikTok.

Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator, confirmed receiving 214 complaints over the broadcast, according to The Independent. A spokesperson from the regulator added: "We are assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate."

Trump's pardon of Blackwater Iraq contractors violates international law: UN

United States President Donald Trump’s pardon of four American men convicted of killing Iraqi civilians while working as contractors in 2007 violated US obligations under international law, United Nations human rights experts said on Wednesday.

Nicholas Slatten was convicted of first-degree murder, while Paul Slough, Evan Liberty and Dustin Heard were convicted of voluntary and attempted manslaughter, over the incident in which US contractors opened fire in busy traffic in a Baghdad square and killed 14 unarmed Iraqi civilians.

The four contractors, who worked for the private security firm Blackwater owned by the brother of Trump’s education secretary, were included in a wave of pre-Christmas pardons announced by the White House.

“Pardoning the Blackwater contractors is an affront to justice and to the victims of the Nisour Square massacre and their families,” Jelena Aparac, chair of the UN working group on the use of mercenaries, said in a statement.

The Geneva Conventions oblige states to hold war criminals accountable for their crimes, even when they act as private security contractors, the UN experts said.

“These pardons violate US obligations under international law and more broadly undermine humanitarian law and human rights at a global level.”

By allowing private security contractors to “operate with impunity in armed conflicts”, states will be emboldened to circumvent their obligations under humanitarian law, they said.

The pardons were strongly criticised by many in the United States. General David Petraeus and Ryan Crocker, respectively commander of US forces and US ambassador in Iraq at the time of the incident, called Trump’s pardons “hugely damaging, an action that tells the world that Americans abroad can commit the most heinous crimes with impunity”.

In a statement announcing the pardons, the White House said the move was “broadly supported by the public” and backed by a number of Republican lawmakers.

Selected PM will now be rejected: Maryam

PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday once more criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying that the "selected" premier "will now be rejected".

She said that the government is "deluded" if it thinks Khawaja Asif's arrest will deter PML-N. "The lions of PML-N will fight courageously against you," she said, addressing a workers convention in Islamabad marking PML-N Kashmir's foundation day.

"Imran Khan will have to go," she said, adding: "Nawaz Sharif told you you will not be able to run the government and that you should go and play cricket."

She said that today "time has proven Nawaz Sharif right".

Maryam said PM Imran Khan admitted "he was brought without any preparation". She said "when a weak prime minister takes office, an enemy like India attacks".

The PML-N vice president said that to date, "no reference has been filed in the case for which Nawaz Sharif was arrested".

She said the government accused Nawaz "of all sorts of things" and used "various tactics" including charges of treason as well as "issuing fatwas".

"But the people have thrown these all in the trash," Maryam said.

She said to the government: "Know this, every act of oppression, only strengthens me."

The PML-N vice president told the gathering she will "fight with her life" for their case. "The responsibility to guard the vote is yours. I will campaign for your rights in Kashmir."

Maryam's address comes a day after PML-N's parliamentary leader Khawaja Asif was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau for "failing to satisfy it on charges of owning assets beyond known sources of income".

It also comes as Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed announced that after February 16, Nawaz's passport will not longer be valid and will stand "cancelled".

Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on Feb 16: Shaikh Rasheed

In a significant development, the federal government has decided to cancel former premier Nawaz Sharif's passport in a month-and-a-half.

This was announced by Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed on Wednesday while talking to reporters in Islamabad. "We have decided to cancel Nawaz Sharif's passport on February 16."

The government has already approached UK authorities to extradite Nawaz Sharif. Special Assistant to PM Imran Khan on Accountability Shahzad Akbar had said that it is up to the British government to decide on the extradition of the former premier.

The PML-N supremo was granted an eight-week bail on medical grounds in October 2019 and a month later he was allowed to travel abroad for treatment for four weeks. The government maintains that Nawaz was permitted on condition he would share details of treatment which he didn't do.

It may be added here that the deposed premier has been declared proclaimed offender by Islamabad High Court and an accountability for failing to appear before the bench.

Similarly, sources in the interior ministry said that the PML-N supremo's passport would not be renewed, while also confirming that it would expire in the mid of February.

The interior ministry has issued instructions to the Passport and Immigration Directorate to not renew the passport, sources added.

Khawaja Asif should not hide behind excuse of political vendetta: FM Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged PML-N leader Khawaja Asif to stop hiding behind the excuse of "political vendetta" and face accountability.

The foreign minister was holding the news conference with Adviser to Prime Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan. He was reacting to Khawaja Asif's arrest in the assets beyond means case and the PML-N's strong reaction against it.

"Khawaja Asif was invited many times to present himself to NAB and satisfy the bureau," said FM Qureshi. "It seems as if Asif couldn't answer NAB's questions [related to assets beyond means]."

The foreign minister said that since yesterday evening — when Asif was arrested — a storm has erupted and Opposition parties have been saying that NAB has been exacting revenge on political rivals of the government.

"NAB is an independent institution and is not subservient to the government," he said. "The laws according to which NAB operares were not introduced by the PTI," added FM Qureshi.

The foreign minister said that people should refrain from speaking about a PTI-NAB nexus since the accountability bureau was an independent body.

"Only Khawaja Asif can shed light on why he was arrested," he said. "They say, 'If you asks us questions, we will lay a siege around you,'" said FM Qureshi, hitting out at the PML-N.

'Now we understand why Opposition wanted to amend NAB laws'

Continuing his tirade against the Opposition, FM Qureshi said every person was held accountable in respectable societies the world over. "Now we are understanding why they wanted to amend NAB laws," he said. "They had told us [the government] that if NAB laws are relaxed then [Opposition] will hold talks with us," added Qureshi.

He accused the Opposition of demanding an NRO from the government, adding that Khawaja Asif had been present in the FATF-relaed legislation meetings that took place between the government and Opposition.

He urged Khawaja Asif and other Opposition leaders to reply to NAB's accusations and expose them if they were indeed filthy. "But they don't have answers to NAB's questions," he said. "Imran Khan brought forth a 40-year-old record and appeared before the court," said Qureshi, adding that after weighing the evidence, the Supreme Court declared PM Imran Khan "Sadiq and Ameen'.

Babar Awan accuses Nawaz Sharif of laundering money

Awan spoke next, hitting out at PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz for saying that Nawaz Sharif should not have been punished for holding an Iqamah.

"I want to explain to people the various advantages that come with holding an Iqamah," he said. "With an Iqamah, you can hold accounts in foreign banks," he added.

Awan said that Iqamahs are a residency permit that those who work abroad get. He said that money earned through illegal means is sent abroad and then brought back to the country by Pakistan's politicians.

"People who continuously live abroad become locals in foreign countries," he said. "However, why did Nawaz Sharif and Khawaja Asif felt the need to get an Iqamah?" he asked.

Awan said that Pakistan was that "unfortunate country" from where billions were stolen and stashed abroad. He accused the Opposition of making the NRO an excuse or their resignations from the parliament to escape NAB's accountability.

Khawaja Asif blames PM Imran Khan for his arrest

PML-N leader Khawaja Asif claimed on Wednesday that Prime Minister Imran Khan was "100%" behind his arrest, adding that this was an attempt to weaken party supremo Nawaz Sharif.

Asif was arrested by NAB Tuesday night in a case pertaining to acquiring assets beyond means of income. The party had gathered at PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal’s house in the federal capital for a huddle which was being attended by PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz.

Talking to reporters outside an accountability court in Islamabad, Asif had said attempts have been made to break the party in the last two-and-a-half years.

When a reporter asked Asif to elaborate on a statement made by Maryam claiming that the Asif had been told all cases against him would be written off if he stood against Nawaz Sharif, the ex-defence minister had said: “This is what we are all being told.”

Asif added that the case has been pending for over two years now. “I was given a charge sheet that assets increased but NAB has so far not investigated the matter. I have been facing this case for over two years, first in Rawalpindi then in Lahore.”

Indian media trying to divert world’s attention from Kashmir issue: PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the Indian media was trying to divert the world’s attention from the Indian government's illegal steps in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the Indian media was doing so through negative and baseless propaganda against Pakistan.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, the premier was chairing a meeting to review the negative propaganda and disinformation campaign, including hybrid warfare, launched by the Indian media against Pakistan.

During the meeting, the prime minister observed that the objective of such nefarious propaganda was to create anarchy in the country.

He directed for effective measures to be put into place to foil the Indian media’s negative propaganda.

He also stressed the need for public awareness in this regard, saying that such a baseless and concocted campaign should be countered with facts.

"The real face of India should be exposed before the international community and the public," the statement quoted the prime minister as saying.

He also expressed the hope that Pakistani media would play its imperative role in this regard.

The meeting was attended by several federal ministers including Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz, Minister for Interior Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed, Minister for Communication Murad Saeed, PM’s special assistant Dr Moeed Yousaf, Focal Person on Digital Media Dr Arsalan Khalid, among others.

Procurement of one million coronavirus vaccines authorised: Umar

The chief of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) — the body leading Pakistan's fight against coronavirus — on Wednesday said that he has authorised the procurement of more than one million vaccines.

Asad Umar, in his statement on Twitter, said that the number "will cover all frontline health workers".

He said what remains now is for DRAP (Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan) to approve a vaccine.

Umar said that the government aims to deploy the vaccines within the first quarter of 2021.

According to a statement by NCOC, Pakistan is in close contact with vaccine manufacturers to obtain a vaccine soon.

It may be noted here that Pakistan signed up for the United Nation's COVAX Facility, a global initiative aimed at equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines worldwide.

Moreover, a National Immunisation Management System has been prepared with the joint efforts of the Ministry of Health, the National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA), and National Information Technology Board (NITB).

The statement said that an effective supply of the vaccine will be ensured through the system.

Citizens will register themselves through SMS and online for vaccinations.

The system will become fully operational by mid-January, according to the NCOC statement.

Vaccine trials

Around 13,000 people have volunteered for the coronavirus vaccine trials across the country, a health official said back in mid December.

The first human trials of the vaccine, developed by the Chinese company CanSino Biologics Inc, started on September 22 in Pakistan.

Since then, the country has administered the experimental vaccine to 13,000 people, Dr Ejaz Khan, chairman of infection control at Shifa Hospital in Islamabad overlooking the trials.

Vaccine trials are being conducted at five centres in Pakistan — two in Karachi, two in Lahore and one in Islamabad.

Such Savera 30 December 2020

Aaj Kay Akhbar 30 December 2020

4.3 intensity earthquake jolts several districts of KP

A moderate earthquake hit several districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday.

The tremors were felt in Swat, Malakand, Buner, Shangla and Mansehra districts of the province, according to a report.

According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the intensity of the quake was recorded 4.3 magnitude at Richter scale. The depth of the earthquake was recorded at 30 kilometres while the epicentre was located in 45 KM in South East of Dir district of KP.

No loss of life or property reported in tremors.

The region is active for the seismic activity, as earlier on November 26, moderate earthquake hit Swat district and adjoining areas of KP.

According to the National Seismic Monitoring Centre, the intensity of the quake was 4.5 magnitude at Richter scale. The depth of the earthquake was recorded 40 kilometres with the epicentre in the Pak-Afghan border area.

On October 18 this year, a 4.5, a moderate intensity earthquake had jolted Mingora in Swat and adjoining areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The intensity of tremors was recorded 4.7 magnitude at Richter scale.

The depth of the quake was 100 kilometres with epicentre in Hindukush Mountain range, according to seismological reports.

Maryam to meet Fazl today amid clouds over PDM unity

PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz will meet PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his Islamabad residence today amid speculations about cracks in the opposition alliance.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Vice President Maryam Nawaz is expected to consult with Fazlur Rehman over the political situation and the opposition’s future strategy with regard to the next phase of the movement against the government.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in its CEC meeting in Karachi on Tuesday decided against resigning from the assemblies besides hinting that it would take part in the Senate polls.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said “We will challenge the incumbent government from within the assemblies,” while addressing a presser at Media Cell of Bilawal House after the Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting.

The party also decided that the option of resigning from assemblies would only be considered after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif will return to the country.

PML-N leader Musaddiq Malik in a statement after the PPP decision, said that Nawaz Sharif more than the PPP wants to return back and he will arrive as and when his medical treatment will be completed.

Rana Sanullah, a PML-N stalwart has said that the opposition has yet to take decision over contesting the Senate elections adding that the government will exert all force to suppress the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and the PML-N.

Clouds hovering over the PDM agenda of resignations from the parliament and contesting the senate polls after the PPP’s CEC session yesterday, which points out differences within the opposition ranks over the issue.

Gilgit-Skardu road opens for traffic after three-day closure

The Gilgit-Skardu road opened for all types of traffic on Wednesday after a closure of three days.

According to official sources, the road had been closed for blasting for its expansion near Shangos.

The road remained closed for three days due to rocks and boulders falling from the mountains. Gilgit, Skardu and several other areas in the region were cut off from other parts of the country with multiple vehicles stuck on the road due to its closure.

Authorities said the road has now been cleared and is open for traffic.

In a tragic incident on October 18, at least 16 people, four Pakistan Army soldiers among them, were killed after the bus they were travelling in was hit by a landslide on the Gilgit-Skardu road.

Accountability court approves transit remand of PML N Leader Khawaja Asif

An accountability court in Islamabad has approved one-day transit remand of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Khawaja Muhammad Asif in assets beyond income case, on Wednesday.

The officials of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) have produced PML-N’s central leader Khawaja Asif before the accountability court. Judge Muhammad Bashir conducted the hearing.

The anti-corruption watchdog sought transit remand of the politician which was approved by the court besides directing to produce him before the concerned court tomorrow. The judge directed concerned authorities to transfer the accused to Lahore today or tomorrow.

During the hearing, Asif’s counsel opposed the NAB’s plea seeking his transit remand and demanded the accountability court to order the immediate release of his client. However, the court rejected the plea of Asif’s counsel.

Earlier, while talking to journalists, the PML-N lawmaker claimed that NAB has not yet initiated interrogation from him. Asif said that he was given a charge sheet by the anti-graft watchdog for possessing assets beyond income.

He alleged that the government is attempting to weaken the stance of Nawaz Sharif and trying to split the political party into different factions.

Yesterday, Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Khawaja Muhammad Asif had been arrested Tuesday by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials for allegedly having inordinate wealth compared to the sources of income.

Asif was reportedly present at another PML-N lawmaker Ahsan Iqbal’s residence for a huddle that was scheduled shortly following Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) session.

The accountability watchdog had claimed that Asif could not furnish a satisfactory response on his possession of assets amounting to Rs260 million.

Asif had been arrested as soon as he left Iqbal’s place following a party leadership huddle which was attended by Maryam Nawaz Sharif as well, sources told ARY sources.

Khawaja Asif had been kept at NAB Rawalpindi’s office after he underwent a medical examination.

NAB officials had confirmed that the arrest was sanctioned by Chairman NAB Justice retd Javed Iqbal himself after he could not convince the three-member committee of NAB investigation on how he made assets that do not conform to his means of earning.

Corona positivity rate recorded highest in Karachi; lowest in GB

The positivity rate of COVID-19 cases has been recorded highest in Karachi up to 13.84 per cent and lowest in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region up to 0.62 per cent, on Wednesday.

The overall positivity rate of novel coronavirus cases stands at 5.92, whereas, the number of critical patients is 2,219 in the country.

The positivity rate was recorded 2.14 pc in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), 4.95 pc in Balochistan, 0.62 pc in GB, 4.44 pc in Punjab, 3.98 pc in Islamabad, 5.87 pc in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 8.4 pc in Sindh, 4.9 pc in Rawalpindi, 6.12 pc in Lahore, 4.21 pc in Faisalabad, 4.85 pc in Multan, 8.79 in Hyderabad, 7.21 pc in Peshawar, 7.89 pc in Swat, 9.94 pc in Quetta and 1.79 pc in Muzaffarabad.

The statistics of the National Command and Operation Centre has shown that the coronavirus pandemic claims 55 more lives, whereas, 2,155 new infections were reported during the last 24 hours.

China hands over 14 dual-seat JF-17 aircraft to PAF

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has been handed over 14 dual-seat JF-17 aircraft by China which would also be used for pilots’ training, on Wednesday.

A major development is made for increasing the potential for national defence as Pakistan Air Force begins preparations for the Block 3 of JF-17 multirole fighter aircraft.

The Chinese-designed dual-seat fighter jet produced jointly by Pakistan will be inducted into PAF’s fleet during a ceremony today. China will hand over 14 dual-seat JF-17 aircraft to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) today.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan attended the grand ceremony as the chief guest for the induction of dual-seat JF-17 aircraft into PAF’s fleet. The event was also attended by the Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong and Nigerian officials.

Earlier, the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra had achieved a remarkable milestone by rolling out the first batch of eight dual-seat JF-17 aircraft on December 27 last year.

A grand ceremony had been organised at the Aircraft Manufacturing Factory, Kamra where Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan was the chief guest while Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing and Executive Vice President of Aviation Indus­tries of China (AVIC) Hao Zhaoping had also attended the ceremony as the guests of honour.

The air chief had also inaugurated the JF-17 Dual-Seat Integration facility at Avionics Production Factory, Kamra.

He had said that JF-17 Thunder is the backbone of PAF which has been battle-proven during operation Swift Retort.

Chief of the Air Staff Mujahid Anwar Khan had congratulated Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corporation(CATIC) on successful accomplishment of 2019 production target and completing first eight dual-seat JF-17 aircraft in a record time of five months.

Pakistan records 55 more corona deaths in last 24 Hrs

The statistics of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has shown that the coronavirus pandemic claims 55 more lives, whereas, 2,155 new infections were reported during the last 24 hours on Wednesday.

In the past 24 hours, 55 more people succumbed to the disease, taking the death toll to 10,047. 4,619 patients have recovered from the virus in a day and 2,219 patients are in critical condition.
The total count of active cases is 37,080.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), with fresh inclusion of the infections in the country the national tally of cases now currently stands at 477,240.

A total of 36,390 tests were conducted across the country during this period. Overall 430,113 people have recovered from the deadly disease so far while 6,656,373 samples have been tested thus far.

Talk @ 7 29 December 2020

Aaj Ka Such With Nadeem Hussain 29 December 2020

Pakistan People’s Party decided against resigning from the assemblies

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has decided against resigning from the assemblies besides also hinting that it would take part in the Senate polls.

“We will challenge the incumbent government from within the assemblies,” he said while addressing a presser at Media Cell of Bilawal House after the Central Executive Council (CEC) meeting of the party earlier in the day.

He further announced that the PPP wants all parties to jointly fight the Senate polls, scheduled in March, in order to give a tough time to the government.

The PPP chairman said that their party policy is to act as per the PDM’s action plan while refusing to either accept or deny the reports being circulated the entire day regarding discussion during the CEC meeting.

He denied that the PDM has decided on resignations and said that any decision on submitting resignations would be taken after consultation.

“A meeting of the PDM will decide on the timings of the resignations,” Bilawal Bhutto said adding that currently all resignations will be submitted to the party leadership by December 31.

“We will attack the incumbent government from all sides,” he said while terming the resignations as an atomic bomb and said that that the CEC had not rejected the option.

The chairman further rejected the approval of the 2017 census by the federal cabinet and said that it should be reviewed. “We will contact with the coalition partners of the incumbent government who have expressed their reservations over the census process,” he said.

Census is the problem of masses and if its figures are improper then there will have issues in distribution of resources, he said.

Khawaja Asif having inordinate wealth detained by NAB

Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Khawaja Muhammad Asif has been reportedly detained by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for allegedly having inordinate wealth compared to the sources of income.

NAB has confirmed the development of arresting Khawaja Asif earlier today in the case of assets beyond means case.

Asif was present at another PML-N lawmaker Ahsan Iqbal’s residence for a huddle that was scheduled shortly following Pakistan Peoples Party session earlier today.

The accountability watchdog claimed that Asif could not furnish a satisfactory response on his possession of assets amounting to Rs260 million.

NAB said it will present Asif tomorrow before the court to plea a transit remand to take him to Lahore chapter of the bureau.

It has now been confirmed by NAB that the arrest was sanctioned by Chairman NAB Justice retd Javed Iqbal himself after he could not convince the three-member committee of NAB investigation on how he made assets that do not conform to his means of earning.

Asif, according to ARY sources, was arrested as soon as he left Iqbal’s place following a party leadership huddle which was attended by Maryam Nawaz Sharif as well.

 

Quaid Tujhe Salam 29 December 2020

Goya With Arsalan Khalid 29 December 2020

Such Savera 29 December 2020

Sehat Zindagi 29 December 2020

Talk @ 7 28 December 2020

Vaccine overdose puts German care workers in hospital

Germany’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign has been overshadowed by a mishap in the north where eight workers in an elderly care home received an overdose.

Vorpommern-Ruegen district authorities said the workers in Stralsund city received five times the recommended dose of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine on Sunday. Four went to hospital for observation after developing flu-like symptoms.

“I deeply regret the incident. This individual case is due to individual errors. I hope that all those affected do not experience any serious side-effects,” district chief Stefan Kerth said in a statement.

The incident came after some German districts declined to use vaccines received over the weekend on suspicion that cold conditions were interrupted during delivery.

Vorpommern-Ruegen authorities pointed to previous statements by BioNtech saying larger doses were tested in the Phase 1 study without serious consequences. There was no immediate comment from the pharmaceutical companies.

President Alvi endorses need for national dialogue on electoral reforms

President Arif Alvi backed on Monday calls for a national dialogue on electoral reforms, but made it clear that Prime Minister Imran Khan will decide when to hold a dialogue and with whom.

He expressed these views in a meeting with senior journalists about persons with disabilities at the President House on Monday.

The president said the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s demand of resignation from the government was unjustified and added that the political system was being destabilised for the last two years.

Read more: Maryam Nawaz has never managed a kitchen in her life but wants to run the country, says Fawad Chaudhry

“There is a need for a national dialogue on electoral reform but the prime minister will decide when and with whom,” President Alvi said.

The Opposition, however, has demanded the prime minister resign and denied to sit with the ‘selected’ regime and hold talks on any issue.

On Monday, federal ministers said that the prime minister is ready for dialogue with serious-minded opposition leaders on public issues minus JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz.

Addressing the media in the federal capital, Information and Broadcasting Minister Senator Shibli Faraz said neither of the two Opposition leaders were in Parliament, which was the real forum to discuss the public's problems. "Maryam Nawaz and Fazlur Rehman are not in Parliament so the government cannot talk to them," he said.

Faraz was flanked by Water Resources Minister Faisal Vawda and Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry.

The PTI regime would only hold talks with "the responsible individuals who sit in the Parliament", he said, challenging the anti-government PDM to apprise the Centre of what it planned to do once it had toppled the federal government.

The information minister also said the Opposition was geared towards creating chaos in the country to protect their looted money and that those who intended on kicking out an elected government could never favour democracy.

"The PDM's public gathering yesterday neither made any mention of nor praised the soldiers who were martyred in Balochistan," he added, according to the publication.

On the other hand, Vawda, the water resources minister, underscored that "if Maryam uses the word 'fugitive' for [former military ruler] Pervez Musharraf, then why doesn't she call her father with the same name?"

"Please tell us the date or the year [of your arrival in Islamabad] since -[you made the] claim to be coming here to demand resignations" from the PTI government, he added, noting that PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz's frustration was centred in achieving power.

Chaudhry, the science minister, noted that the PDM's platform was being used against the Centre, Punjab, and public institutions. The government would only hold talks with senior and mature Opposition leaders, he added.