Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Such Ka Safar 22 August 2021

Such Ka Safar 22 August 2021

Such Savera 20 August 2021

Such Savera 20 August 2021

Such Savera 25 August 2021

Such Savera 25 August 2021

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 22 August 2021

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 22 August 2021

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 21 August 2021

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 21 August 2021

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 20 August 2021

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 20 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 11 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 11 August 2021

Goya With Arsalan Khalid 16 August 2021

Goya With Arsalan Khalid 16 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 25 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 25 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 24 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 24 August 2021

Aaj Ka Such with Nadeem Hussain 04 August 2021

Aaj Ka Such with Nadeem Hussain 04 August 2021

Aaj Ka Such with Nusrat Mirza 25 August 2021

Aaj Ka Such with Nusrat Mirza 25 August 2021

Aaj Ka Such with Nadeem Hussain 24 August 2021

Aaj Ka Such with Nadeem Hussain 24 August 2021

Such Ka Safar 29 August 2021

Such Ka Safar 29 August 2021

Awam Ka Such 29 August 2021

Awam Ka Such 29 August 2021

Aaj Kay Akhbar 31 August 2021

Aaj Kay Akhbar 31 August 2021

Such Savera 31 August 2021

Such Savera 31 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 31 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 31 August 2021

Sehat Zindagi 31 August 2021

Sehat Zindagi 31 August 2021

Talk @ 7 31 August 2021

Talk @ 7 31 August 2021

Aaj Ka Such with Nadeem Hussain 31 August 2021

Aaj Ka Such with Nadeem Hussain 31 August 2021

Pakistani microfinance pioneer wins Asia's 'Nobel Prize'

 Muhammad Amjad Saqib
A microfinance pioneer from Pakistan — who developed an interest-free microfinance programme — was among Tuesday's winners of Asia's equivalent to the Nobel Prize.

Muhammad Amjad Saqib, 64, won the Ramon Magsaysay Award for his “first-of-its-kind” interest- and collateral-free microfinance programme that catalysed scores of poor households.

Nearly two decades after its launch, Akhuwat — founded by Dr Saqib — has grown into the nation's largest microfinance institution, distributing the equivalent of $900 million and boasting an almost 100 per cent loan repayment rate, the award foundation said.

Saqib, who uses places of worship to hand out money, was cited for “his inspiring belief that human goodness and solidarity will find ways to eradicate poverty.”

The Ramon Magsaysay Award — named after a Filipino president killed in a plane crash — was established in 1957 to honour people and groups tackling development problems.

Meanwhile, Firdausi Qadri, 70, also won the award for her “life-long devotion to the scientific profession” and “untiring contributions to vaccine development”.

Working at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka, Qadri had a “key role” in creating more affordable vaccines to combat cholera and typhoid, the Manila-based award foundation said in a statement.

Qadri was also cited for her leading role in a mass vaccination effort in Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh's southeastern district of Cox's Bazar in recent years that prevented a cholera outbreak. The disease causes acute diarrhoea and spreads through contaminated food and water.

Qadri was also cited for her efforts to build up Bangladesh's scientific research capacity.

“I'm overwhelmed, extremely delighted but also humbled,” Qadri said in a video message shared by the foundation.

It was held virtually this year after the event was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Another winner was Filipino fisherman Roberto Ballon, 53, who was recognised for helping “revive a dying fishing industry” on the southern island of Mindanao where abandoned fishponds had destroyed mangrove forests.

With government backing, Ballon and other small-scale fishermen replanted 500 hectares (1,235 acres) of mangrove forests by 2015, boosting their fish catch and quality of life.

“What was once a desert of abandoned fishponds is now an expanse of healthy mangrove forests rich with marine and terrestrial life,” the award foundation noted.

American Steven Muncy, the founder of the Philippines-based NGO Community and Family Services International, was recognised for helping refugees, assisting victims of natural disasters and getting former child soldiers back to school in Asia.

Indonesian documentary maker Watchdoc, which focuses on human rights, social justice and the environment, also won recognition for its “highly principled crusade for an independent media organisation”.

Any legitimacy, support will have to be earned: US warns Taliban

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
The United States expects the Taliban to live up to their commitments now that US troops have pulled out of Afghanistan, but any legitimacy or support will need to be "earned," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday.

America's top diplomat, speaking just hours after the final US evacuation flights left Kabul, said Washington has suspended its diplomatic presence in Kabul as of Monday and shifted its operations to Qatar.

"Our troops have departed Afghanistan," Blinken said. "A new chapter of America's engagement with Afghanistan has begun.

"It's one in which we will lead with our diplomacy. The military mission is over; a new diplomatic mission has begun."

Blinken said the United States was committed to helping every American who wants to depart Afghanistan to leave the country.

He said a small number of US citizens remained in the country -- "under 200" but likely closer to just 100 -- and wanted to leave.

Blinken said the Taliban would need to live up to their commitments to provide freedom of travel, to respect the rights of women and minorities and to not allow the country to become a base for terrorism.

"Any legitimacy and any support will have to be earned," Blinken said.

Pakistan's role in Kabul evacuations acknowledged as US completes withdrawal

US Senator Van Hollen
US Senator Van Hollen on Tuesday acknowledged and thanked Pakistan for supporting the US evacuation efforts from Afghanistan as Washington completed its withdrawal from the war-stricken country.

"Even as the last US troops leave Afghanistan I'll continue to do everything in my power to bring home all Americans & provide asylum to our Afghan partners endangered by their support to the US," Sen Hollen posted on Twitter

"Also thankful to Qatar, UAE, Pakistan, Kuwait & many others supporting evacuation efforts," he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Dr Asad Majeed Khan also called the senator and shared the Islamabad's perspective on the urgency of securing an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan.

"Had a good call with Senator @ChrisVanHollen today. Briefed Sen. Van Hollen on Pakistan’s support for evacuations of US, Afghan and other nationals from Afghanistan," said Dr Asad said on the micro-blogging website.

"Shared Pakistan’s perspective on the urgency of securing an inclusive political settlement in Afghanistan," he added.

On August 16, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the Afghan leadership to ensure a broad-based and comprehensive political settlement of the Afghan issue.

The minister made these remarks as he met a delegation of Afghan leaders in Islamabad.

Qureshi called upon all stakeholders to work in a united manner for a better future for the war-stricken country and the region.

Taliban seized Kabul on August 15, two weeks before the deadline for the withdrawal of American forces from the country. The fall of the capital city triggered a wave of panic among foreigners as well some locals, who rushed to Kabul airport – the only escape route from the country.

Afghanistan to form Govt in few days: FM Qureshi

Taliban to form Govt in few days: FM Qureshi
Afghanistan is set to form its own government in a few days, said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Tuesday, hours after the last US soldier left Afghanistan.

"We expect that a consensus government will be formed in the coming days in Afghanistan," Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a news conference in Islamabad with German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas by his side.

Qureshi said Pakistan was already hosting three million Afghan refugees, adding that they were being provided all facilities including health, education etc.

"Pakistan has kept its borders open. People are travelling between the two countries and trade is also going on," he said.

Qureshi called on the international community to provide Afghanistan with every possible help. "Pakistan wishes to see a stable, prosperous and progressive Afghanistan," he added.

The German foreign minister, on the other hand, welcomed the Afghan Taliban's recent statements in which they have promised no retribution and assured to uphold human rights in the country.

Haas said it would be better if a broad-based, inclusive government was formed in Afghanistan.

He said that the situation in Afghanistan had changed "dramatically", adding that Pakistan had helped in the evacuation of the citizens of Afghanistan, Germany and other countries.

"I have spoken to Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on the Afghanistan issue," he said. "We would like to thank Pakistan for evacuating German citizens from the country."

Monday, August 30, 2021

Corona claims 118 more lives, positivity rate rises to 7.36 percent

Corona claims 118 more lives, positivity rate rises to 7.36 percent
Pakistan has reported 118 more deaths in the last 24 hours by COVID-19. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 25,788.

According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 3,838 persons tested positive for COVID-19, lifting the overall number of infections in the country to 1,160,119.
Pakistan has conducted 52,112 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 3,838 persons tested positive for the disease. The COVID Positivity Ratio was recorded at 7.36 per cent as compared to yesterday’s 6.75 percent.

The NCOC said 5,542 people are in critical condition.

So far, a total of 53,314,628 vaccine doses have been administered to the masses across the country.

Out of 53,314,628, the number of fully vaccinated people against the coronavirus is 16,171,867, while 41,477,587 partial doses have been administered to date.
On Monday, the Sindh government decided to start COVID-19 vaccination in educational institutions from September.

The important decision was taken in a high-level session jointly chaired by the provincial health and education ministers today. The session was also attended by the parliamentary health secretary, education secretary and other senior officials via video link.

Aaj Kay Akhbar 30 August 2021

Aaj Kay Akhbar 30 August 2021

Such Savera 30 August 2021

Such Savera 30 August 2021

Aewan-e-Such 30 August 2021

Aewan-e-Such 30 August 2021

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 29 August 2021

Such Baat with Nusrat Mirza 29 August 2021

Aaj Ka such with Nadeem Hussain 30 August 2021

Aaj Ka such with Nadeem Hussain 30 August 2021

Talk @ 7 30 August 2021

Talk @ 7 30 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 30 August 2021

Goya with Arsalan Khalid 30 August 2021

PDM's Karachi rally may have been more effective if women were allowed to participate: Bilawal

PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari
PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Monday took a jibe at the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally in Karachi a day earlier, saying "maybe the rally would have been more effective if they (PDM) gave women permission to participate."

Addressing a press conference in Sukkur, he said he could not comment on whether the PDM rally — the alliance's first power show after a months-long lull — was "successful", adding that the PPP believed all democratic parties should play their role.

However, it would have been "more effective" if the PDM allowed women to participate in the rally, he said.

"This is not Afghanistan. This is Karachi, capital of Sindh," he remarked.

He questioned how a country and a city could be run when "even a home cannot be run without a woman", recalling that Pakistan was the first Muslim country to appoint a female prime minister.

No society can progress until men and women are equal participants in economy and politics, the PPP chairperson said. "Maybe this was a reason that Karachi rejected them (PDM) and that [an] impression could not be built as in the past."

However, there was "more time" and the PDM would hold more events, he said. "Our best wishes are with them — that the government is harmed from their movement instead of benefitted because till now, we think the government is benefitting from the PDM's way of [doing] politics."

He shared that he had asked Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to talk to PDM president and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and inform them that "we are present if they need anything."

Bilawal said the PPP had "showed a way to the whole country to get rid of Prime Minister Imran Khan" when it managed to make former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani win in the Senate polls in March instead of PTI's Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

He said that if the other opposition parties agreed to "first attack Punjab and then go the national level, then this government will go home".

If the opposition was serious, then it could pull off "such a big feat, the example of which you won't find in the democratic system" similar to how it had "defeated the prime minister from his own electoral college" during the Senate polls, he added.

Talking about mass resignations — the issue which led to PPP's separation from the alliance — the PPP chairperson said the PDM parliamentarians should resign "on principle since we are not together [and] that was their problem".

The votes of PDM members who were a part of the National Assembly were being "wasted", he claimed.

Bilawal invited the opposition to support the PPP, stressing that it could "not only give a tough time to the government but also remove it".

Responding to a question, the PPP chairperson said it was a "misunderstanding" that the Sindh government did not want to hold local government elections.

He claimed that a "fake census was conducted to snatch the rights and resources from the province and people", citing it as the reason for the delay in holding elections for local bodies.

He noted that the Sindh government had written twice, asking for a joint sitting of parliament to be held on the issue of the 2017 census, but the demand was not accepted.

"As soon as this issue concludes, we will be first in carrying out local bodies elections and also win them."

The PPP "respected democracy and national mandate" which is why local bodies were able to complete their five-year term unlike in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he added.

EU should financially assist Afghanistan's neighbours: Josep Borrell

The EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell
The European Union’s foreign policy chief has said that the bloc should provide financial assistance to the countries neighbouring Afghanistan to help them manage refugees fleeing the Taliban.

The EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell expressed these views in an interview published by Italy's Corriere Della Sera newspaper on Monday.

The return of the group to power in Kabul on August 15 has plunged the future of many Afghans into uncertainty and sparked concern that millions may seek refuge in neighbouring countries and Europe.

"We will have to increase cooperation with the neighbouring countries to resolve issues related to Afghanistan. We must help them with the first refugee wave," Borrell told the newspaper.

"Afghans fleeing the country are not going to reach Rome in the first place, but maybe in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent. We need to help those countries that will be on the front line."

Asked if they would receive European financial assistance to hosting Afghan refugees, he said: "The absorption capacity of Europe has its limits and nothing can be done without strong cooperation."

"Neighbouring countries will be affected more and earlier than Europe. So yes, that also means giving those countries financial support as we have done with Turkey."

In 2016, Turkey inked a deal with the EU to stem the flow of migrants to Europe in return for some incentives including financial assistance.

Turkey currently hosts some 3.7 million refugees from the conflict in Syria.

Borrell said the crisis in Afghanistan, sparked by the withdrawal of US troops, had highlighted the need for the EU to have its own military capacity.

"The EU must be able to intervene to protect our interests when the Americans don´t want to be involved," Borrell said.

"Our first entry force should be made of 5,000 soldiers that we are able to mobilise at short notice. We have EU Battlegroups but these have never been mobilised. We need to be able to act quickly."

 

Parliamentary committees' delegation receive briefing from military amid evolving Afghanistan situation

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
Three parliamentary committees' delegations on Monday were briefed on the country's security environment, including the situation at the borders and the army efforts for peace and stability.

The delegation — which visited the GHQ — comprised members from the Senate and National Assembly's Kashmir committee and defence committees, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The development comes amid the fast-evolving situation in Afghanistan, with several people who had fled the war-torn country being allowed transit stay in Pakistan for a month.

US anti-missile defences earlier in the day had intercepted rockets fired at Kabul's airport, as the United States flew its core diplomats out of Afghanistan in the final hours of its chaotic withdrawal.

US troops are due to pull out of Kabul by Tuesday, after they and their allies mounted the biggest air evacuation in history, bringing 114,000 of their own citizens and Afghans who helped them over 20 years of war.

Meanwhile, in the meeting at the GHQ, the parliamentarians had an exhaustive interactive session with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the military's media wing said.

COAS said the Pakistan Armed Forces, with the support of the nation, have achieved unprecedented success in the fight against terrorism and bringing normalcy to the country.

The army chief said due to "our timely steps for Western zone border management, despite challenges, Pakistan’s borders are secure and we are prepared to meet any situation."

Alluding to the benefits of regional connectivity, the COAS highlighted the importance of the restoration of peace in Afghanistan for the sustainable development of the region.

The COAS reiterated the Pakistan army’s support and commitment to the Kashmir cause and the people of Kashmir.

"The world must know that without peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, peace and stability will remain elusive," the army chief reiterated.

The session concluded with the resolve to continue the struggle against violent extremism through a synergetic, whole-of-the-nation approach, the military's media wing added.

In July, an in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, which took place at the Parliament House, had ended with the parliamentarians expressing satisfaction over the briefing provided by the country's security apparatus.

The meeting was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and involved a briefing by Director-General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed.

President Arif Alvi to address joint sitting of parliament on September 13

President Dr. Arif Alvi
President Dr. Arif Alvi will address a joint sitting of both upper and lower houses of Parliament to be convened on September 13, said Adviser to the PM on Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan on Monday.

The president’s address to the joint sitting of the Senate and National Assembly will mark the start of the new parliamentary year.

Mr Awan today met NA Speaker Asad Qaiser and discussed with him the president’s address, legislation and the new parliamentary calendar. He said the new parliamentary year will begin with President Alvi’s address.

The PM’s aide was of the view that effective legislation could help overcome the challenges and issues facing the country. He said the fourth parliamentary year would see Parliament passing all pending laws with those concerning public welfare and well-being to be given priority.

Speaker Qaiser said Parliament’s performance during its past three years was laudable, giving its credit to both government and opposition.

First PIA flight with medical supplies lands in Mazar-i-Sharif

First PIA flight with medical supplies lands in Mazar-i-Sharif
A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight carrying medical essentials from the World Health Organization (WHO) landed in Mazar-i-Sharif Monday.

The PK-234 flew from Dubai and landed at the Mazar-i-Sharif Airport – the first international flight to the country’s fourth-largest city after the Taliban swept Afghanistan, according to state-run Associated Press of Pakistan.

The national flag carrier is providing air transport for the operation while WHO will be arranging logistics on the ground as part of the humanitarian bridge in the war-torn country.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mansoor Ahmed Khan, confirmed that the PIA cargo flight took essential supplies of WHO to Mazar-i-Sharif in line with Pakistan’s role of making a "humanitarian air bridge" in coordination with international agencies.

“First PIA Cargo flight with WHO medical supplies from Islamabad to Mazar Sharif today,” the envoy tweeted and thanked PIA for its efforts in ensuring the supplies to Afghanistan.

 “A humanitarian air bridge for essential supplies to Afghanistan in coordination with international agencies. Thanx PIA,” he wrote.

In view of the medical supplies running out within days in Afghanistan, the global health watchdog had announced last week to establish an air bridge in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif with help from Pakistani authorities.

Trauma kits and emergency supplies for hospitals and medicines for treating chronic malnutrition in children are among priority items required for Afghanistan where 18 million people depend on aid, the WHO’s regional emergency director had said.

“What remains certain is that humanitarian needs are enormous and growing,” Rick Brennan told a UN briefing.

“Right now because of security concerns and several other operational considerations, Kabul airport is not going to be an option for the next week at least,” he had said.

“One of the problems we have in Afghanistan right now is that there is no civil aviation authority functioning, but we are working with Pakistan particularly in the context of the Mazar-i-Sharif airport. Because they can work with contacts on the ground so that all the necessary steps to land an aircraft, to land a cargo aircraft, can be put in place,” Brennan had said.

Insurance rates for flying into Afghanistan had “skyrocketed at prices we have never seen before” in the 12 hours since the blast, the official had said.

“So we are trying to jump through that hoop at the moment and once we have addressed that we will hopefully be airborne in the next 48 to 72 hours.”

Pakistan has so far not taken in a single refugee: Sheikh Rasheed

Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed
Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said Monday that Pakistan has so far not given the status of refugee to a single person from Afghanistan.

"I can confirm as your [the] interior minister that we have not given the status of a refugee to even a single person," he shared during a news conference, a day before the US and other foreign troops complete their pullout from the war-ravaged country.

The interior minister's comments came as thousands of Afghans have sought to leave the country since the Taliban took control of the country last month. The US had also requested Pakistan to provide transit facilities after which Islamabad made arrangements at the city's hotels.

Rasheed clarified that people from Afghanistan arrive in Pakistan via the Chaman border on a daily basis and then go back to their country, adding that this was "a normal activity."

Regarding any possible influx of people from Afghanistan, he said that Pakistan has "made arrangements to accommodate 3,000 people in Islamabad only," adding that "any person from any nationality, who comes to Pakistan from Afghanistan, will be granted a transit visa of 21 days."

He added that as of now, 1,627 people have entered Pakistan via the air route, while over 2,100 people arrived through the land route at Torkham.

"We had been expecting a huge refugee influx from Afghanistan, but not a single person came to Pakistan as a refugee."

He said Pakistan Army is "the world's greatest army", adding that they had fenced the border and were keeping a close watch over the movement of people.

Speaking further about developments in Afghanistan, the minister said that Pakistan had evacuated all but 30-40 citizens from the country.

"Those 30-40 people want to remain in Afghanistan. They got married there and now have families. They told us they are happy in Afghanistan," he added.

‘Threat of terrorism from India’

The minister lashed out at India, saying that New Delhi can use militant groups to carry out subversive activities in Pakistan. He said Islamabad hoped Afghanistan would not allow its territory to be used against Pakistan.

Rasheed said Pakistan was the only country in the world that had sacrificed 80,000-plus lives to establish peace in Afghanistan and the region. He censured India, saying that the "country's news channels are attempting to malign Pakistan through propaganda."

While speaking about the presence of Daesh in Afghanistan, he said that Pakistan is hopeful that the Taliban would not let their soil be used against its neighbouring country.

"Daesh fighters are present in Nuristan and in the mountains of Kunar," he admitted.

Rasheed lashes out at PDM

During the press conference, the interior minister took shots at the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), saying that the Opposition's "timing and tuning" were both messed up.

"Opposition should prepare for the next elections," he advised. "Their narrative will not get acceptance among the masses."

Rasheed said that the Opposition was not aware of Pakistani politics, adding that they were focused on petty issues while Pakistan's politics was headed towards international matters.

"Last December, you were coming for our resignations. You will be trapped [if you try again]," he said in response to PDM’s announcement of a march towards Islamabad.

The minister said that the people of Pakistan were now aware of political issues, adding that by the time the next general elections are held, all pending NAB cases will be resolved.

In response to another question, Rasheed urged UK authorities to take Pakistan off the red list. He declined to comment on a question relating to a ban on social media.

PDM only put up a 'show' without any power, says information minister

PDM only put up a 'show' without any power, says information minister
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) has just exhibited a "show" in Karachi as it was "devoid of any power", says Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry. Commenting on PDM’s public rally held Sunday, the information minister said the country had not found a more "incompetent and frivolous" opposition than the PDM. “They [PDM] will continue spending even the next seven years carrying protest banners,” he said, adding that the rally was actually against the PPP.In his comments on the rally, the minister severely criticised the PDM leadership for holding…

Schools reopen in sindh with 50% attendance

Schools reopen in sindh, 50% student allowed
Schools in Sindh on Monday (today) reopened with strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).As per the notification issued by the School Education and Literacy Department, last week, the schools have been allowed in-person classes for six days a week.

The schools have been allowed to remain open six days a week with 50% attendance of students on alternative days and all heads of educational institutions have been directed to ensure 100% vaccination of their teaching and non-teaching staff.

The notification further said all educational institutions will ensure 100% compliance with COVID-19 SOPs and random PCR tests will be conducted by the health department as and when required.

The parents and the students have expressed their happiness over the reopening of the schools.

On August 23, the government of Sindh and All Pakistan Private Schools’ Federation (APPSF) agreed on reopening schools after a protest was announced by teachers and parents against a delay in allowing in-person classes from August 23.

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Corona calaims 66 more lives in Pakistan within 24 hrs

Corona calaims 66 more live in Pakistan within 24 hrs
Pakistan has reported 66 more deaths in the last 24 hours by COVID-19. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 25,670 on Monday. According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 3,800 persons tested positive for COVID-19, lifting the overall number of infections in the country to 1,156,281Pakistan has conducted 56,279 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 3,800 persons were tested positive for the disease. The COVID Positivity Ratio was recorded at 6.75 percent. So far, a total of 50,985,184…

No one can snatch away jobs granted by parliament: Bilawal

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Sunday said that "no one can snatch away jobs given by the parliament", vowing to appeal a Supreme Court verdict that declared a PPP-era law unconstitutional and illegal.

Under the PPP-era Sacked Employees (Reinstatement) Ordinance Act (SERA) 2010 law, a number of people had been employed or given promotions who had been forcibly sacked from various institutions and departments by successive governments during 1996 and 2007.

The SC, however, found that the SERA extended undue advantage to a certain class of citizens, thereby violating fundamental rights under Articles 4, 9 and 25 and being void under Article 8 of the Constitution.

Earlier this month, PPP had appealed to the Supreme Court to review its verdict that declared SERA 2010 illegal and unconstitutional.

In his address today to a worker's convention in the city, Bilawal said that PPP will provide relief to all those people from whom jobs have been snatched.

Speaking of the three-year performance of the PTI government, he said: "Prime Minister Imran Khan is celebrating three years of destruction in Islamabad."

Bilawal said that in these last three years, unemployment and poverty "reached their peak".

"When one province suffers, it is painful for all other provinces," he added, referring to Sindh being sidelined by the Centre.

He recalled how Benazir Bhutto "aimed to create employment opportunities for the people of Pakistan".

"Benazir Bhutto provided jobs to 16,000 households and Imran Khan took away jobs from all those people," he said.

"The selected prime minister promised to create one million job opportunities, however, instead of providing jobs he took away jobs from the people who were already employed," he added

Bilawal said that because of PM Imran Khan, 10,000 employees of Pakistan Steel Mills were abandoned and their households had to suffer.

"We ask Imran Khan what he is doing to employ the people of Pakistan, as millions of youngsters have lost their jobs during these last three years," the PPP chairman said.

Shedding further light on Imran Khan's "unfulfilled" promises, he said: "The prime minister promised to construct five million houses. I ask him is Khairpur not a part of Pakistan? How many houses have been constructed in Khairpur so far?"

He claimed that in Sindh, five million people lost their jobs.

"People of all provinces have lost their jobs," he added.

"As youngsters suffer because of unemployment under the rule of all other political parties, Pakistan Peoples' Party will make sure it creates jobs for the youngsters," he promised.

"We will not tolerate any injustice. The water crisis (in Sindh) should be resolved fairly, or else we will conduct protests across the country as announced in Hyderabad earlier," the PPP chairman said.

Concluding his speech, Bilawal said: "We need the support of all jiyalas (loyalists) across Pakistan. Because when jiyalas come out they fight for their rights no matter what era they are in."

"We trusted many friends but all of them cheated us," he said.

"Now PPP's jiyalas are enough. We will stand on our own feet and do our own politics," the PPP chairman added.

2 Pakistan Army sepoys martyred in exchange of fire with militants from across Afghan border: ISPR

Sepoy Jamal and Sepoy Ayaz
Two Pakistan Army sepoys were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists from across the Afghan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district, the military's media wing said in a statement on Sunday.

"Terrorists from inside Afghanistan across the international border opened fire on a military post in Bajaur district," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, adding that Pakistani troops had responded in a befitting manner.

"As per intelligence reports, due to [the] fire of Pakistan Army troops, two to three terrorists got killed and three to four terrorists got injured," read the statement.

The martyred soldiers were identified as Sepoy Jamal, 28, from Mardan, and Sepoy Ayaz, 21, from Chitral.

The ISPR said Pakistan "strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that [the] existing and future setup in Afghanistan will not allow such activities".

In a similar incident, a paramilitary soldier was martyred on Thursday when terrorists attacked a check-post in the Three Baman Sector from across the Afghan border.

On Friday, ISPR Director General Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar had emphasised that the situation on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border was "normal and under control", while Pakistan's side was "secure".

Sada e Kashmir - 29 Aug 2021

Sada e Kashmir - 29 Aug 2021

Aaj Kay Akhbaar - 29 August 2021

Aaj Kay Akhbaar - 29 August 2021

UAE to resume visas for tourists vaccinated against Covid-19

UAE to resume visas for tourists vaccinated against Covid-19
The United Arab Emirates has announced it will resume issuing visas to all tourists fully vaccinated against Covid-19 from Monday, a month before Dubai hosts the delayed Expo 2020 trade fair.

The move comes amid a drop in coronavirus infections in the oil-rich Gulf country after it reported less than 1,000 cases per day last week for the first time in months.

The UAE's decision to reopen its doors to tourists from all countries was taken in order “to achieve sustainable recovery and economic growth”, the official WAM news agency reported on Saturday.

Those eligible would have to be fully inoculated with one of the Covid-19 vaccines approved by the World Health Organisation, which include AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm and Sinovac.

“The decision applies to citizens of all countries, including those arriving from previously banned countries,” WAM said.

“Passengers arriving on tourist visas must [undergo] a mandatory PCR test at the airport,” it added.

While life in the country has largely returned to normal amid the Covid pandemic, UAE continues to enforce strict rules on wearing masks and social distancing.

Dubai was last year counting on the six-month Dubai Expo 2020 — delayed a year by the health crisis and now set to open in October — to attract millions of visitors and boost the economy.

Heavily reliant on tourism, the emirate was one of the first destinations to open its doors to travellers, accepting tourists in July last year, just a few months after the pandemic took hold.

Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, has been more cautious, opening up to some visitors only in December.

The UAE has so far recorded more than 715,000 cases of Covid-19 infection, including 2,036 deaths.

NCOC expands COVID-19 restrictions to 27 cities

NCOC meeting
In a bid to control the spread of COVID-19 infection across the country, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Sunday announced that it has decided to expand the current coronavirus restrictions to 27 cities of the country, that too beyond the earlier deadline of 31 August.

The body will review the restrictions on September 13.

According to the body, the decision was taken in view of the growing number of COVID-19 positive cases and the ensuing pressure on the country's healthcare system.

The NCOC said that considering the situation, the scope of the implementation of the SOPs has been extended to 27 cities of the country. Previously, these SOPs were only applicable to 13 cities.

As per the rules, all commercial activities — with the exception of essential services — will be closed by 8pm. Similarly, there will be two safe days each week, which means that markets will remain closed twice a week. However, it will be up to the provinces to decide which days would be considered safe days.

Indoor dining will remain banned across the country, while outdoor dining will only be allowed until 10pm each day. Meanwhile, restaurant takeaway and delivery services will continue to operate 24/7.

As for wedding functions, indoor weddings will be completely banned, while outdoor wedding events will be allowed with a maximum limit of 300 guests. Outdoor events will have to be wound up by 10pm.

Shrines and cinema halls will remain closed, while games such as boxing, martial arts, rugby, water polo, kabaddi, and wrestling will also be banned.

Indoor gyms will remain open to only fully vaccinated individuals, the NCOC said.

As per the previous SOPs, all public and private offices will continue to operate at a 50% capacity. Similarly, public transport will also function at a 50% capacity.

On the other hand, railway services will be allowed to operate at a 70% capacity.

Recreational parks and swimming pools will remain closed, while public parks will remain open but people entering those parks will have to follow the SOPs strictly.

The NCOC said educational institutions will operate at a 50% capacity thrice a week.

The body said that it will review the SOPs on September 13.

At the beginning of August, the NCOC had announced revised restrictions for a limited number of cities in the country where the positivity ratio of coronavirus was higher as compared to others.

Addressing a press conference to announce the revised SOPs, NCOC chief Asad Umar had said that the "targeted and staggered" decisions were taken by the government to contain the spread of the virus amid the fourth wave.

Another 69 people lost their lives to COVID-19 in Pakistan, taking the total death toll in the country above 25,600, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) revealed Sunday.

Per statistics released by the NCOC, the country recorded 3,909 new cases in the last 24 hours.

The country's official coronavirus statistics website (covid.gov.pk) reveals that in the last 24 hours, 62,918 coronavirus tests were conducted across the country out of which 3,909 turned out to be positive.

Meanwhile, the rate of coronavirus positive cases in the country was reported to be 6.21% in the 24 hours.

According to the official portal, the number of deaths from the disease in the country has reached 25,604, while the total number of cases since the outbreak has reached 1,152,481. As of now, there are 93,504 active COVID-19 cases in the country, while a total of 1,033,373 people have recovered from the virus.

Gilgit Baltistan Affairs | 29 August 2021

Gilgit Baltistan Affairs | 29 August 2021

Bottom Line | 28 August 2021

Bottom Line | 28 August 2021