Volume X1, Issue-1, January 2021

January in History ’s standing in the global rankings January 12, 1952 : Overview Pakistan Industrial Development = Corporation (PIDC), Headed by m~âáëí~å=çÄëÉêîÉÇ=~=ëäáÖÜí=áãéêçîÉãÉåí=áå=íÜÉ=çîÉê~ää=áåíÉêå~íáçå~ä=ê~åâáåÖë=áå=OMNU=ÅçîÉêáåÖ=ëçÅáçJÉÅçåçãáÅ=~åÇ======Founder Chairman Ghulam Faruque éçäáíáÅ~ä=çìíÅçãÉë=çÑ=íÜÉ=ÅçìåíêóK=pÉîÉê~ä=ÉäÉãÉåíë=ÅçãéäÉãÉåíÉÇ=íÜÉ=éêçëéÉÅíë=áåÅäìÇáåÖ=ëìÅÅÉëëÑìä=ÇÉãçÅê~íáÅ======

January 1, 1955: íê~åëáíáçåIÉÑÑáÅáÉåí=ÅçìåíÉêJíÉêêçêáëã=ãÉ~ëìêÉë=äÉ~ÇáåÖ=íç=ÉåÜ~åÅÉÇ=éÉ~ÅÉ=~åÇ=ëÉÅìêáíóI=~åÇ=ÑçêÉáÖå=ÇáêÉÅí=áåîÉëíãÉåí= áåÑäçïë=ìåÇÉê=`mb`I=~ãçåÖ=çíÜÉêëK=^äÄÉáíI=ÇÉÅçìéäáåÖ=ÉÅçåçãáÅ=ÖêçïíÜ=Ñêçã=Üìã~å=ÇÉîÉäçéãÉåí=ëìÖÖÉëíë=íÜ~í=íÜÉ= Pakistan International Airlines comes Åçìåíêó=åÉÉÇë=íç=ÉåÜ~åÅÉ=áíë=ëÅçêÉë=áå=ÜÉ~äíÜI=ÉÇìÅ~íáçå=~åÇ=ëí~åÇ~êÇ=çÑ=äáîáåÖ=Äó=ÉåëìêáåÖ=éçäáíáÅ~ä=ïáääI=Éèìáí~ÄäÉ======into being. Ñáå~åÅáåÖ=~åÇ=ÉÑÑáÅáÉåí=ÖçîÉêå~åÅÉ=íç=ÉåëìêÉ=é~ê~ääÉä=ÖêçïíÜ=Ñçê=ã~êÖáå~äáòÉÇ=ëÉÖãÉåíë=~ë=ïÉääK=`áîáä=~åÇ=éçäáíáÅ~ä======January 1, 1961: äáÄÉêíáÉë=ãìëí=Öêçï=Ü~åÇ=áå=Ü~åÇ=íç=ÉåëìêÉ=~=ÅçåÇìÅáîÉ=ÉåîáêçåãÉåí=Ñçê=ÇÉãçÅê~íáÅ=Çá~äçÖìÉ=~åÇ=~ÅÅçìåí~Äáäáíó=ïÜáÅÜ= Decimal coinage introduced in Pakistan. ìäíáã~íÉäó=ëìééçêíë=áíë=å~íáçå=ÄìáäÇáåÖ=éêçÅÉëëK==

January 5, 1963: DEMOCRACY INDEX First trade agreement is signed between = Pakistan and China. m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=NNOíÜ=çìí=çÑ=NST=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=aÉãçÅê~Åó=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ== QKNT=çìí=çÑ=NM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ=íç=QKOS=áå=OMNTK=== January 10, 1966: = fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=E~ìíÜçêáí~êá~å=êÉÖáãÉF=íç=NM=EÑìää=ÇÉãçÅê~ÅóF= Tashkent Declaration signed between = India and Pakistan. `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖW=bäÉÅíçê~ä=éêçÅÉëë=~åÇ=éäìê~äáëãI=`áîáä=äáÄÉêíáÉëI== cìåÅíáçåáåÖ=çÑ=ÖçîÉêåãÉåíI=mçäáíáÅ~ä=é~êíáÅáé~íáçåI=~åÇ=mçäáíáÅ~ä=ÅìäíìêÉK== January 30, 1972: = Pakistan snaps ties with Commonwealth HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX= on recognizing Bangladesh. =

January 1, 1981: m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=NRMíÜ=çìí=çÑ=NUV=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=eìã~å=aÉîÉäçéãÉåí=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ== MKRSO=çìí=çÑ=NKMMM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ=íç=MKRSM=çìí=çÑ=NKMMM=áå=OMNTK=== Interest-free banking introduced. = fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=Eäçï=ÇÉîÉäçéãÉåí January 3, 1981: =F=íç=N=EîÉêó=ÜáÖÜ=ÇÉîÉäçéãÉåíF= International Islamic University starts `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖW=äáÑÉ=ÉñéÉÅí~åÅóI=ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI=~åÇ=éÉê=Å~éáí~=áåÅçãÉ= = functioning. January 3, 1982: PRESS FREEDOM INDEX = Pakistan defeats Argentina 12-3 in m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=NPVíÜ=çìí=çÑ=NUM=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=mêÉëë=cêÉÉÇçã=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ== World Cup Hockey in Bombay. QPKOQ=çìí=çÑ=NMM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ = =íç=QPKRR=áå=OMNTK=== January 15, 1983: fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=Eãçëí=éêÉëë=ÑêÉÉÇçã = F=íç=NMM=EäÉ~ëí=éêÉëë=ÑêÉÉÇçãF== First three F-16 jets reach Pakistan. `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖW=éäìê~äáëãI=ãÉÇá~=áåÇÉéÉåÇÉåÅÉI=ÉåîáêçåãÉåí== January 25, 1983: ~åÇ=ëÉäÑJÅÉåëçêëÜáéI=äÉÖáëä~íáîÉ=Ñê~ãÉïçêâI=íê~åëé~êÉåÅóI=~åÇ=áåÑê~ëíêìÅíìêÉK== = Wifaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Order is INDEX promulgated. Justice Sardar Iqbal is = named, WM. m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=RíÜ=çìí=çÑ=NSP=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=qÉêêçêáëã=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ= =UKNU=çìí=çÑ=NM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ January 19, 1989: = =íç=UKQM=áå=OMNTK=== Students unions are restored in Punjab . fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=EäçïÉëí=áãé~ÅíF=íç=NM=EÜáÖÜÉëí=áãé~ÅíF= = January 12, 1992: `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖ=W=qçí~ä=åìãÄÉê=çÑ=íÉêêçêáëí=áåÅáÇÉåíë=áå=~=ÖáîÉå=óÉ~êI=íçí~ä=åìãÄÉê=çÑ== Lahore-Islamabad Motorway project Ñ~í~äáíáÉë=Å~ìëÉÇ=Äó=íÉêêçêáëã=áå=~=ÖáîÉå=óÉ~êI=íçí~ä=åìãÄÉê=çÑ=áåàìêáÉë=Å~ìëÉÇÄó=íÉêêçêáëã=áå=~=ÖáîÉå=óÉ~ê== launched. ~åÇ=íÜÉ=~ééêçñáã~íÉ=äÉîÉä=çÑ=íçí~ä=éêçéÉêíó=Ç~ã~ÖÉ=Ñêçã=íÉêêçêáëí=áåÅáÇÉåíë=áå=~=ÖáîÉå=óÉ~êK=

January 15, 1994: ECONOMIC FREEDOM INDEX Pakistan Television transmission gets = access to 38 countries via satellite. m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=NPNëí=çìí=çÑ=NUM=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=bÅçåçãáÅ=cêÉÉÇçã=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ== RQKQ=çìí=çÑ=NMM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ January 2, 2006: = =íç=ROKU=çìí=çÑ=NMM=áå=OMNTK=== Dr. Shamshad Akhtar assumes office of fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=EêÉéêÉëëÉÇ = F=íç=NMM=EÑêÉÉF= State Bank Governor having the first `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖW=j~êâÉí=çéÉååÉëëI=oÉÖìä~íçêó=ÉÑÑáÅáÉåÅóI== woman Governor of SBP. dçîÉêåãÉåí=ëáòÉ=~åÇ=íÜÉ=êìäÉ=çÑ=ä~ïK=

Positive Post is a strategic effort to project achievement and contributions of Pakistan. While showcasing Greenwich University’s cultural diplomacy initiatives, it also encapsulates a compilation of different developments complementing Pakistan’s socio-cultural, economic and Political outcomes. Greenwich partners 20th Anniversary of Pakistan Japan Business Forum

Governor of Sindh Mr. Imran Is- Greenwich characterizes a global iting Kyoto under a cultural ex- Forum. He also pressed the need to mail and Consul General of Japan persona promoting a beyond border change program. explore avenues for enhancing cul- Mr. Toshikazu Isomura graced the approach to educational and cultural tural and diplomatic ties between celebrations of the 20th anniversary exchange. It is the only Pakistani Mr. Jillani emphasized that as we the two countries and offered the of Pakistan Japan Business Forum University to have established an near the completion of 70 years of Consul General to reckon Green- alongside various dignitaries and overseas campus in the Republic of diplomatic relations with Japan, it is wich as a key actor in the process. prominent business community rep- Mauritius, to mainstream the mar- a strategic imperative to enhance bi- Finally, he congratulated Chairman resentatives from both countries. ginalized African region into educa- lateral trade through technological Mr. Kaleem Farooqi for the Forum's Greenwich University's Head of tional leadership, which has hosted transfer in the automobile and ICT 20th anniversary and Adpulse for Diplomatic Affairs Mr. Ali Jillani at- students from 11 nationalities. industries vis a vis diversification of having organized the event. tended the event on behalf of the Pakistan's export potential through Vice Chancellor, Ms. Seema Greenwich has a strong diplomatic fora like Pakistan Japan Business Mughal. affairs component engaging with embassies, consulates, foreign mis- Mr. Jillani addressed the audience sions and think-tanks around the and congratulated Pakistan Japan world to reimage Pakistan through Business Forum for having com- cultural diplomacy. Greenwich has pleted two decades of excellence. He the privilege of being the first ever shared that Greenwich University is University from the region to have recognized among the pioneers of taken a 25-member delegation to tertiary education in Pakistan and the European Parliament in 2018 to now enjoys the status of an interna- engage with the parliamentarians for tionally acclaimed institution with reimaging Pakistan through its artis- services in educational leadership for tic brilliance, cultural diversity and over three decades. Greenwich's contributions to several global com- commitment to excellence by devel- mons like the United Nations oping the competence and character Peacekeeping Missions. He shared of future generations has led to its that Greenwich also cherishes very rise from pioneer to premier in strong ties with the Japanese con- higher education, having produced sulate and regularly conducts collab- artists, business leaders, composers, orative events. The University's musicians, public servants, scholars 35-member delegation visited Japan and social scientists contributing to in 2015 and recently two Green- several aspects of human endeavor. wichian kids had the pleasure of vis-

2 Pakistan Secures 17 Million Doses of AstraZeneca Coronavirus Vaccine

Pakistan announced Saturday it has Pakistan’s drug regulator recently ap- secured 17 million doses of proved the vaccine along with the AstraZeneca’s coronavirus vaccine Chinese Sinopharm vaccine for through the World Health Organi- emergency use in the country. zation's COVAX program to vacci- nate its citizens against COVID-19. China authorized the use of its Additionally, the government said, a Sinopharm vaccine in early January, plane will fly to China on Sunday to and it is currently in use in several airlift an initial tranche of the countries, including Bahrain and the 500,000 doses of Chinese .

Sinopharm vaccine Beijing has Pakistan, in collaboration with gifted to Islamabad. China, is also conducting a Phase 3 The coronavirus pandemic in Pak- trial of another Chinese anti-coron- istan, a country of about 220 million avirus vaccine from Cansino Biolog- ics, Inc. The trial is nearly complete people, is relatively under control. and Pakistani officials expect the ini- The South Asian nation detected the Foreign Minister Qureshi says The WHO’s COVAX is a global tial results will be available early next outbreak nearly a year ago and has Sinopharm vaccine will be in Pak- program to vaccinate people in poor month. istan by January 31 and middle-income countries against since documented more than the coronavirus. The plan aims to de- 543,000 confirmed COVD-19 “We are entitled to receive 20 million Sultan said in a statement that the liver at least two billion vaccine doses cases, with close to 12,000 deaths. doses, provided the results are positive vaccination drive was expected to by the end of 2021 to cover 20 per- and the vaccine proves to be effec- Dr. Faisal Sultan, special health assis- start next week, beginning with cent of the most vulnerable people in front line healthcare workers. tive,” Sultan announced last week. tant to the prime minister, said Sat- 91 nations across the globe. urday that almost seven million doses The Pakistani government says it of AstraZeneca’s vaccine will be avail- “COVAX’s timely support and de- AstraZeneca’s vaccine has been de- livery of the vaccine is testament of plans to vaccinate at least 70% of the able for Pakistani citizens in the first veloped with Oxford University re- country’s adult population to achieve quarter of the year and the rest within global stakeholders’ trust in Pak- searchers and it is being used as part istan’s preparedness for vaccine roll- herd immunity over the coming the second quarter of 2021. of a mass immunization program in months out,” he noted. the United Kingdom. Courtesy:Voanews.com Cyclists and boxers Lyari youth will always find a way Karachi’s Lyari has limited “I want all my trainees to bring in- resources, but its youth’s passion ternational titles for the country,” finds a way anyway. he said, requesting for cooperation and funds for his hard-working Sixteen-year-old Sumera didn’t trainees. have her own bicycle when she started, but her high ambitions Sumera’s dream cycle costs Rs2.6 eventually made her a national million. champion. ‘A punch can land anywhere’

“I wanted to be a cyclist after I saw Another inspiring story is that of my cousin training for it,” Sumera Nadir Baloch, a boxing champion told SAMAA TV’s show Naya who has not only won four national Din Tuesday. “My uncle asked me titles, but also holds two interna- if I wanted to start training too, and When asked if it is easy for girls to for more courage because I want to tional ones. He knocked out in I said yes.” pursue cycling in Lyari, Sumera do something for my siblings and December last year Afghan boxer

talked about the discouragement Pakistan.” Hassan in the eighth round of But not having her own bicycle was that comes her way, especially from WBC Middle East championship. not the only challenge that Sumera her neighbours. Sumera’s coach Asif says she per- “I’ve been training for boxing since faces. She has no parents and three formed better than many others childhood,” said Baloch. “Also, my siblings to look after all on her own, “They ask me what use cycling will when he took her on. He tries his uncle has represented Pakistan including an older brother with be,” she said. “They also pass best to get her the best bicycles internationally.” special needs. comments on my clothes [jeans when she’s participating in compe-

and T-shirt]. There’s also a lot of titions. When asked what a person needs “I go to school everyday,” said teasing.” to be a good boxer, Baloch said: Sumera. “After coming home, I “I borrow the best ones [cycles] “You need to be very strong prepare meals for my siblings and But she doesn’t let any of that from other trainees,” said Asif. He because a punch can land get them ready for madrassah. I overcome her passion. “Without said he used to train boys too, but anywhere.” then leave for my training.” letting it affect me, I pray to God now trains girls only. Courtesy:Samaa 3 Workshop on MLA and Extradition Requests in Terrorism and other Predicate Offences

Pakistan’s Action to Counter Ter- the role they can play in enabling rorism (PACT) organized two and expediting MLA and extradi- workshops during January 2021 on tion requests, leading the partici- Mutual Legal Assistance and Ex- pants through various operational tradition in Terrorism and other approached employed and case ex- Predicate Offences in Islamabad amples. Experts from UNODC Vi- and Karachi in collaboration with enna demonstrated the Mutual the Ministry of Interior. Legal Assistance Request Writer Tool (MLARWT), model forms on Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) MLAR related to digital evidence, and extradition are often necessary and SHERLOC (Sharing Electronic tools to conduct effective adjudica- Resources and Laws on Crime) a tion and to prevent terrorist activi- web-based knowledge portal. ties where traditional techniques for gathering evidence are often not by Pakistan during 2020 during the 1972 by Mr. Tahir Awan, Deputy During the last session Mr. Tahir adequate or accessible enough for pandemic. His Excellency Thomas Secretary FATF, Ministry of Inte- Awan, Deputy Secretary, Ministry timely intervention. MLAs, how- Seiler, a.i. EU Ambassador to Pak- rior followed by presentation on a of Interior facilitated group exer- ever, require a formal mechanism as istan also delivered opening re- digital portal on requesting MLAs cises for preparing MLA and Ex- well as channel either under specific marks in the Islamabad workshop developed by Punjab Information tradition requests among the treaties between states or through in which he reiterated EU’s com- Technology Board by Mr. Muham- participants. the established mechanisms such as mitment in supporting Pakistan mad Ammar. Later in the day, Mr. the UN Convention Against overcoming the challenges posed by Syed Atif Raza – Director UN The Islamabad workshop was at- Transnational Organized Crime terrorism; Mr. Iftikhar Ali Shall- from the Ministry of Foreign Af- tended by officials of Anti-Nar- (UNTOC). The workshops aimed wani, Additional Secretary, Min- fairs presented on various interna- cotics Force (ANF, National to train participants on the required istry of Interior; and Mr. tional, regional, and multi-lateral Accountability Bureau (NAB), practices and channels for MLA Muhammad Iqbal, Director Gen- conventions which can more effec- Federal Board of revenue (FBR), and Extradition, by increasing their eral Counter Terrorism Financing, tively be utilized by stakeholders for Counter Terrorism Departments knowledge and skills on preparing NACTA, both appreciated the sup- enhancing information sharing. (CTDs), and Ministry of Interior such requests to other jurisdictions. port to Pakistan being delivered by FATF Wing based in Khyber UNODC and EU. The second day of the workshops Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Islam- Dr. Jeremy Milsom, UNODC focused on the international prac- abad Capital Territory whereas the Country Representative during the Day one of both workshops focused tices of information sharing for Karachi workshop catered to the opening session highlighted that on Pakistan’s national framework in MLA and extradition. A presenta- officials belonging to NAB, Home “Mutual Legal Assistance requests requesting MLA and Extradition tion was led by Mr. Sam Makkan, a department and CTDs based in especially in terrorism cases have followed by case laws. Presentations British prosecutor, on UK’s ap- Sindh and Balochistan. The work- become even more critical as a re- were delivered followed by question proach to international cooperation shops were made possible with the sult of the COVID-19 pandemic” and answer session on the recently for asset tracing and recovery fol- support of the European Union. and that there has been an increase enacted MLA Criminal Matters lowed by presentation from Mr. Courtesy:www.unodc.org in the number of requests initiated Act 2020 and the Extradition Act Hyung Yoon of INTERPOL on A large number of Pakistanis are optimistic about the country’s economic future, Gallup survey A new survey by Gallup Pakistan, a Pakistanis optimistic about the gov- well-known research company, has ernment and the country’s future found that 48% of Pakistanis are was minus 38% during the PPP optimistic that the country’s econ- regime, leaving disappointed people omy will improve in the year 2021, aside. Although improved in 2009, while 30% think that the economy the rate dropped to minus 8%. Neg- will get worse. ative 21% in 2010 and minus 13% in 2011, but after the PML-N The overall score of confidence in came to power, the rate rose to 47% the economy in the future was 18%, in 2014 and 50% in 2015. the rate of Pakistanis hoping for improvement in the economic fu- Globally, the net score of those op- ture has been declared better than timistic about the economic future is the world average. While 48% of more than negative 21%. Compared said it was like that. The situation is cording to the report, Nigeria tops Pakistanis see 2021 as a year of eco- to the aggregate opinion of 46 coun- as it is now and will remain so. the list of countries most optimistic nomic prosperity despite corona tries, Pakistanis optimistic about the When you look at neighboring about their economies with 72%, and other economic difficulties. economic future. Internationally, India, 56% of the population there while the most disappointed in the 25% of people expressed hope for hopes for an improvement in the future is the 71% British, which is Compared to similar surveys con- economic improvement in 2021, economic future, but in a worrying situation. ducted in the past, the number of while 46% said it was worse, 24% Afghanistan the rate is 23%. Ac- Courtesy:Samaa

4 Use of Digital Forensics in Counter Terrorism Cases

11 - 15 January 2021 - Lahore, Pak- ism and extremism in Punjab istan: The United Nations of Drugs Province. The participants were then and Crime (UNODC) and Euro- taken to the technical wing of CTD pean Union (EU) recognize the sig- Punjab where they were briefed on nificance and scope of digital the tools and techniques they are forensics which is rapidly expanding using for criminal analysis and dig- in the ever-growing arena of the ital forensics. The participants digital world. Under the framework lauded the efforts of CTD Punjab of Pakistan's Action to Counter and appreciated the idea of bringing Terrorism (PACT) Project, the together officials from other UNODC Country Office Pakistan provinces to share knowledge and organized a five-day Basic Training primarily focused on the introduc- tody for presentation as evidence in experiences. on “Use of Digital Forensics in tion and scope of Digital Forensics; the court of law. Counter Terrorism Cases” at the specifically, its identification, collec- The closing ceremony of the train- Punjab Forensic Science Agency tion, preservation, and transporta- On the final day of the training, the ing was attended virtually by Mr. (PFSA) from 11-15 January 2021 tion. The trainees were given case participants were taken to the CTD Francois Zabolt, Counter Terrorism for Counter Terrorism Department studies to comprehend the concepts, Punjab for a study visit where they Expert from EU Pakistan, Mr. Asif (CTD) Sindh, Punjab and using state-of-the-art mock crime were briefed by Mr. Jawad Qamar, Saifullah Paracha, Member Policy Baluchistan. The aim of this training scenes and other facilities at the Deputy Inspector General of Police, NACTA from Islamabad and Dr. was to communicate familiarity on PFSA. The course was delivered by CTD Punjab about the operations Muhammad Tahir Ashraf, Director the collection, preservation, and use the experts from the PFSA who and performance of CTD Punjab. General, PFSA who gave away cer- of digital forensics data for effective provided hands-on training to the The DIG CTD presented statistics tificates to the participants. All three conclusion of cases in lines with the CTD officials on the tools and tech- and success stories of intelligence- officials gave their closing remarks latest tools and technologies. The niques used in the scientific exami- based operations for elimination of in which they appreciated UNODC training was attended by twenty-six nation, and the analysis of digital terrorists of proscribed organiza- for organizing a meaningful training (26) officers from specialized tech- and cellular devices. The trainers tions and effective prosecution of for CTDs from three provinces nical units of the CTD Sindh, Pun- guided the technical teams on how terrorists while making use of latest which provided a good opportunity jab and Baluchistan. to perform a forensic investigation technologies. He further elaborated for them to share knowledge and on digital evidence while maintain- factors contributing to the reduction experiences. The content of the training session ing the documented chain of cus- of incidents of terrorism, sectarian- Courtesy:www.unodc.org

Installation of E-gates at airports of Pakistan 2,500 falcons are captured in Pakistan every year’

Pakistan will no longer have to With the help of e-gate, passengers queue for boarding cards with the will automatically get their boarding installation of e-gates at airports. card by scanning their passports and tickets, thus avoiding the hassle of The Civil Aviation Authority has standing in long queues for board- Falconry, a sport that employs birds Customs authorities curb the illegal decided to introduce international ing. of prey in hunting games, is cen- trade of and recover hundreds of travel facility for air travelers under turies old. Unfortunately, it comes seized falcons. A smuggling bid in- which a gate will be installed at With this method, passengers will at the cost of thousands of falcons volving 70 falcons was foiled by the major airports of Pakistan. be able to scan their own passport that are killed during the illegal authorities three years ago. and ticket and get their own board- wildlife trade. E-Gates actually uses data in a bio- ing card once verified. Kamran explains that there is a metric passport chip that contains Around eight different species of high demand in the Gulf region for information on faces, fingerprints, The Civil Aviation Authority falcons are found in Pakistan. falcons found in Pakistan, where a and irises. In this way, all the infor- (CAA) has just announced the in- single falcon can be sold for as high mation is verified by modern elec- stallation of e-gates at major air- Kamran Khan Yousufzai, a passion- as Rs4 million. tronic methods. ports in Pakistan, including Karachi, ate falconer from Khyber Islamabad and Lahore. Pakhtunkhwa, has helped the 5 Pakistan economy to return to growth in 2021: Moody's report

The government and central bank measures should help contain some responses and reforms will partially risks, the report said. soften the pandemic's impact and help revive the economy: Moody’s Meanwhile, banks' profitability, Investors Service which has materially increased dur- ing 2020, will come under pressure Pakistan economy will return to on lowered margins, higher loan- growth during the ongoing fiscal loss provisions given the challenging year 2020-21, but economic activity operating environment, and sub- will remain below pre-outbreak lev- dued business generation. els, according to a latest report. "Profitability will come under pres- Moody’s Investors Service said the sure this year after a huge 625-basis- economy should return to modest Economic activity will remain below GDP, through increased use of mo- point interest rate cut in 2020," the 1.5 per cent gross domestic product pre-outbreak levels, although the bile bank accounts, biometric verifi- rating agency said, adding that pri- (GDP) growth in financial year economy should return to modest cation systems and QR codes. vate-sector lending to grow between 2021, which ends on June 30. 1.5% growth in fiscal year 2021 . five per cent and seven per cent in GDP growth will accelerate to 4.4% "Despite a difficult environment, the 2021, below inflation expectations "Pakistan economy will return to in 2022 government's credit profile is stable of eight per cent. growth in fiscal year 2020-21, gain- due to ongoing reforms and increas- ing a modest 1.5 per cent and accel- Long-term credit growth potential ing policy effectiveness – a positive Moody's said Pakistan’s banking erate to 4.4 per cent in 2022. The is strong, given Pakistan's large un- for the banks given their outsized system reflects banks’ solid funding government and central bank banked population holdings of Pakistani government and liquidity, although a challenging responses and reforms will partially debt link their credit profiles to that – but improving – operating envi- soften the pandemic's impact and Profitability will come under some of the government," says Constan- ronment will weigh on asset quality help revive the economy," according pressure in 2021 after a huge 625- tinos Kypreos, a Moody's senior and profitability. It projects rising to the rating agency's latest report. basis-point interest rate cut last year vice-president. asset risk as non-performing loans Private-sector lending to grow will rise from a sector-wide level of Last year, Pakistan economy con- between 5% and 7% in 2021, below The rating agency expects the slow 9.9 per cent of gross loans as the tracted for the first time in 68 years inflation expectations of 8% economic recovery to affect loan economic slowdown takes its toll on by registering 0.4 per cent negative quality, with nonperforming loans borrowers’ repayment capabilities. Moody’s Investors Service further growth due to outbreak of the (NPLs) are expected to rise over the said the long-term credit growth Covid-19 pandemic. It posted 1.9 coming months from a sector-wide "Deposit-based funding and good potential is strong, given Pakistan's per cent growth in fiscal year 2018- level of 9.9 per cent of gross loans in liquidity buffers also remain large unbanked population. September 2020. Banks' foreign op- strengths, while the probability of 19 compared to a record-high 5.8 erations, export-oriented industries government support in a crisis is per cent GDP growth in 2017-18 The State Bank of Pakistan, the and companies reliant on govern- high, even if its ability to do so is when the -led Pakistan central bank, has targeted 65 million ment payments and subsidies will be limited by fiscal challenges," said Tehreek-e-Insaf came to power for active bank accounts, with total de- hit hardest, but loan repayment hol- Kypreos. the first time in Islamabad. posits accounting for 55 per cent of idays and other government support Courtesy:Khaleej times An ex-policeman is playing Chaudhry Aslam in a film Chaudhry Aslam, the feared At the forefront is Aslam. Karachi police official who was killed in an attack, is getting a film Tariq Islam manages to look a lot made on his life. He is played in like Aslam. He has a white beard, Chaudhry The Martyr by Tariq wears a white shalwar kameez that Islam, a former policeman who would remind you of Aslam, but used to work under him. has flat acting and expressions.

Director Azeem Sajjad confirmed Islam told that the producer this to SAMAA Digital. The film approached him over two years has famous actors like Shamoon back about a possible film on the present. was feared by terrorists and gang- Abbasi and Saleem Mairaj. Model slain policeman. Former Sindh po- sters alike. He killed at least 80 sus- Zara Abid is a part of the cast too. lice chief Kaleem Imam supported Chaudhry’s Aslam widow Noreen pected terrorists and arrested many The film’s trailer has just been the project, and DIG Maqsood Aslam thanked the film’s producer high-profile criminals in his 30- released and it’s wild. It has women Memon has lent creative help. for the project. She recalled how year career. belly-dancing for some reason, her husband was fearless in the face various shots of policemen busy The filmmakers held a ceremony in of terrorism. Aslam was killed in January 2014 in chasing criminals in black Vigos, or Karachi for the trailer’s release, a remote-controlled bomb attack at presenting them in courts when where senior police officials, Chaudhry Aslam, infamously Lyari Expressway in Karachi. they’re not killed in an encounter. including Maqsood Memon, were known as the “encounter specialist”, Courtesy:Samaa 6 Founder of modern Lahore’s great-great- Transgender model Rimal Ali joins PTI in granddaughter becomes US senator ‘vengeance’ Kesha Ram, the great-great-grand- daughter of Sir Ganga Ram, hopes to carry forward his legacy as she has has become the first woman of colour to take oath as a state senator in Vermont, US.

Sir Ganga Ram is considered the founder of modern Lahore. He was an Indian civil engineer and archi- tect who served as the executive en- gineer of Lahore at the end of the 19th century.

He was behind the construction Transgender model and actor Rimal Ali said she will keep working in the such as the Lahore museum, Ali has been appointed the Gender showbiz alongside her political activ- US Consulate General Lahore Aitchison College, Mayo School of Discrimination Coordinator of ities. “I am engaged in various proj- congratulating her on her appoint- Arts, Lahore High Court, GPO Pakistan Tekreek e Insaf ’s Welfare ects. In the coming days, my fans will ment and said someone told her Govt College’s Chemistry Block Wing. see me in dramas and more films.” when she came to Vermont that and Mayo Hospital’s Albert Victor people in Lahore said prayers for Wing, among other iconic build- The announcement comes just days Ali said she received appreciation her great great grandfather daily. ings in the city. after she was kidnapped and tor- when her career began and she had

tured in Lahore. According to The the opportunity to work with big Thirty-four-year-old Kesha was “I didn’t understand his impact, Express Tribune, she has joined the names in the entertainment industry, sworn in as a state senator on Janu- particularly in healthcare and ruling party in “vengeance” and to including Mahira Khan. She added ary 6. As a tribute to her heritage, women’s education, until that day. “strengthen the community”. that she is struggling to find work like she wore shalwar kameez during Thank you all for helping me many other artists, as the industry is a the swearing-in ceremony. understand his legacy so I can Habib Malik Orakzai, president of “bit disturbed due to COVID-19”. continue it,” she wrote. the Central Welfare Wing, wished Ram responded to a tweet by the Courtesy:Samaa Rimal made her film debut with her luck, saying that he expects Ali to Saat Din Mohabbat In (2018). ’s racks up a million “work hard for the people’s welfare”. Courtesy:Samaa views after release The end of Pakistan’s energy crisis is near

According to a senior journalist, the Minister in the presence of the end of Pakistan’s energy crisis is near. Army Chief. According to details, a message Hadiqa Kiani has forayed into the Qawwali debut. released by senior journalist and It should be noted that the sources Qawwali genre with her debut anchor Kamran Khan on the social said that in case of an agreement Jaanay Iss Dil. “My first Qawaali titled Jaanay Iss networking site Twitter claimed that between the government and the Dil was released a few hours ago,” the end of the energy crisis in the IPPs, not only the circular debt will Jaanay Iss Dil was released by Su- said Kiani. “I could not be grateful country is now near. be eliminated but also the electricity fiScore on YouTube, and amassed to you all for the love and support prices will come down. over a million views within just you have given.” Kamran Khan said, the memoranda hours. It has been composed by signed with IPPs will soon take the Revision of contracts with IPPs will Ustad Dildar Hussain, who was the The Qawwali features Zohaib Has- form of strong agreements. make electricity cheaper by Rs 40 tabla player for the legendary Ustad san on sarangi and Kiani’s brother per unit, revision of contracts will . Irfan on harmonium. The senior journalist said that the provide relief to power consumers to IMF has also given its approval to the tune of Rs 300 billion in 3 years. The Boohey Barian singer said that Kiani had shared a teaser from her sign agreements with IPPs to resolve Will run Electricity will be 74 paise this month [ January] has been Qawwali on January 23 the energy crisis. Final decisions in cheaper in 2022 and 66 paise per nothing short of a dream for her, re- Courtesy:Samaa this regard have also been taken in unit in 2023. ferring to both her acting and a meeting chaired by the Prime Courtesy:trendspak.com 7 Pakistani builder making ‘exact’ copy of Paris in Gujranwala

A developer is launching a around six times on taxes if they ‘complete’ replica of Europe’s register under the prime minister’s popular city of Paris outside construction package as it has a Gujranwala but five times smaller. fixed regime. “This saving on tax will add up to whatever profit Le Paris Housing Scheme is being you make,” explained the FBR’s planned by a sister company of Abdul Hafeez while addressing Master Tiles and Ceramics. a seminar on the ‘PM’s Package on Naya Pakistan Housing The scheme is spread over 4,800 Scheme’ at the Association of acres or 19.4 square kilometres. Builders and Developers House The original Paris, in contrast, is on October 7. spread over 105 square kilometres. People can also whiten their legally Le Paris will have its own 200m earned money under the package Eiffel Towe r, which will make it as they will not be asked for a the biggest replica in the world. money trail. But money earned The original Eiffel Tower is 324 illegally or received through bribes metres tall. If built, Le Pa ris’s cannot be laundered through this Eiffel Tower will outdo Bahria process. Town Lahore’s replica, which stands at 80 metres. The housing People earn and save money scheme will also have replica through legal means but may not Arc de Triomphe and a road it fee,” he said. Moreove r, there is a massive need pay tax on it. is ca lling Shanzelize street (after for housing in Pakistan around 11 Avenue des Champs–Élysées). The developer will provide 40,000 million. Demand is increasing by This temporary scheme is so low-cost houses for the less 700,000 houses every year. that their wealth can come into France’s AREP Group and Renzo privileged. circulation, he explained. The Piano Building Wo rkshop will be The law was recently amended for scheme is not for gove rnment undertaking the town planning, Around 17% or 800 acres will have the construction sector to extend employees. design and architecture. low-cost houses. The company did the amnesty scheme for another not share details of the prices six months. The FBR will not be Builders and developers can “Pakistanis will not have to go to of different categories and the inquiring about sources of income register with the FBR by June 30, Europe,” said Bilal Sandhu, the location of the site. from builders and investors till 2021 after the extension for both marketing manager. “The city will June 30. A one-year extension has existing and new projects. FBR give affordable houses but will be The balloting will take place on also been given for the completion officials have been trying to reach replete with facilities just like the March 31 and Sandhu claims the of construction projects. out to builders and developers real Paris.” company will hand over possession across the country to explain the within three years with develop- Projects under the scheme can now benefits. The company is asking people to ment work completed. be completed by September 30, register with the company for 2023 instead of the original dead- Analysts have been attributing Rs110,000 for plots measuring Builders and developers have line of September 30, 2022. Under high cement sales to the construc- five, seven and 10 marlas, one and become active since the Prime the amended ordinance, those who tion package. Over 60 allied two canals and shops and apart- Minister’s Construction Package purchase housing units or plots industries get a boost when ments. “The people who register announced certain incentives also get a six-month exemption in construction does well. Low- will be given priority and will also to stimulate the construction revealing their source of income. cost housing projects developed benefit Rs30,000 in the price to sector and dozens of allied indus- by the Naya Pakistan Housing and be paid for the property. This tries such as steel and cement in What does the PM’s construction Development Authority will be means they will eventually be a bid to improve the economy, package offer? charged almost 90% lower taxes. paying Rs140,000, after adjusting which contracted for the first time Courte sy:Samaa Rs110,000 of the registration in 68 years. Builders and developers can save

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