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F .theasiantelegraph.net Pak proposal for COAS, DG ISI louds observing March 15 services of Air Chief as ‘International Anti- Marshal Mujahid Anwar Islamophobia Day’ heap COAS thanked the CAS for his services to phrased globally the Nation during a long and illustrious career The CFM has unanimously adopted RAWALPINDI the resolution moved by Pakistan in its Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, 47th session in which 15th March was Chief of Air Staff (CAS), on his farewell visit, called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief designated as the ‘International Anti- of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, today. COAS Islamophobia Day’ thanked the CAS for his services to the RAWALPINDI Nation during a long and illustrious career. The experts from academia and religious COAS also appreciated CAS’s dynamic scholars of the country on Tuesday widely leadership and professionalism displayed lauded Pakistan’s historical move to join the during op “Swift Retort” and critical Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Because of his immense efforts and quality to observe first-ever International Day to supportleadership, rendered Pakistan in fight Air againstForce today terrorism. is a Combat Islamophobia, in line with the vision force second to none. of Prime Minister Imran Khan. Earlier on arrival at GHQ, the CAS was presented Guard of Honour at Yadgar-e- The CFM has unanimously adopted the reso- Shuhada. Earlier, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) lution moved by Pakistan in its 47th session Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan paid in which 15th March was designated as the PM urges for introducing track, trace system to a farewell call on Director General Inter- ‘International Anti-Islamophobia Day’. Services Intelligence Lieutenant General Faiz Researcher on Islamophobia tendencies, Hamid. DG ISI received the Service Chief. DG eminent scholar and Dean of Media Studies evade tax evasion ISI thanked the Air Chief for his contribution International Islamic University Islamabad PM to launch advisory portal to engage think tanks, academia in policy formulation in enhancing the professional capability of Prof Dr Zafar Iqbal Baloch said that it was ISLAMABAD PAF during his illustrious career. CAS also said, only 19 percent of the tax was paid by day conference, from tomorrow (Wednesday) appreciated ISI’s performance in guarding historical moment for Pakistan as the prime Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday term- two big companies while the 40 percent was to unveil Pakistan’s new strategic direction. minister in his address in the last meeting ing FBR’s automated Track & Trace system and furthering national interests. being evaded resulting in loss of billions to The conference is aimed at unveiling Paki- Earlier ISPR reorted that Sepoy Roshan of UN General Assembly, stressed on collec- crucial to check mass tax evasion directed the country. stan’s new strategic direction based on a the Law Minister to work on getting vacated Ali Shaheed (martyr) of Pakistan Rangers tive resolve by the Muslim states to put their He said tax evasion led to imposition of indi- comprehensive security framework in line Sindh who embraced martyrdom in bomb heads together and realize the comity of na- the stay order by the Sindh High Court Chair- with Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of ing a meeting of the federal cabinet here, the blast near Rangers vehicle in Orangi Town tions about heavily funded Islamophobia as the prices of commodities of everyday use. peace, regional connectivity and develop- other day was laid to rest with full military Prime Minister asked Barrister Farogh Nas- The FBR’s Track & Trace system aims at pro- ment partnerships with the world. the real threat to global peace and harmony. eem to “convince the Sindh High Court that rect taxes by the government which inflated honour after his Namaz-e-Janaza in Karachi Dr Zafar Iqbal added that it was high viding minimum human interface, preventing On the other hand, It has been organized by on Tuesday. The martyred Sepoy’s funeral the non-imposition of the automated system leakage of revenue, under-reporting sales of the National Security Division in collabora- time for Muslim ummah to look beyond would incur loss of billions to the country”. prayer (Namaz -e-Janaza) was attended - by Corps Commander Karachi, Lieutenant their decision of observing 15th March as The Sindh High Court issued a stay order on ment of duty and taxes. On lectronic Voting leading think tanks of the country. International Day to Combat Islamophobia FBR’s proposed tax mechanism, for which the General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum, Director specifiedMachines goods(EVM), andthe Prime to ensure Minister proper said pay the tionPrime with Minister its Advisory Imran BoardKhan comprisingwill inaugurate five General Rangers Sindh, Senior civil and and expose that mongers behind it through Prime Minister mentioned that FBR had given system was important to ensure transpar- the conference while Army Chief General Qa- FATF like protocol to choke its huge fund- assurance to roll out the system by June. He ency in general polls and check corrupt prac- mar Javed Bajwa will be the guest of honour said FBR had been making efforts for last 15 said an Inter Services Public Relations ing’s.VoM tice of vote-purchase. He termed provision of on the second day. At the event, the Prime (ISPR) press release. years to implement the Track & Trace (T&T) online voting for overseas Pakistan a priority military officials and relatives of Shaheed, System, however regretted that the move was of his government and stressed an effective Advisory Portal of the National Security Divi- “sabotaged” every time. strategy for its implementation. Ministersion. will also launch the first of its kind Prime Minister Imran Khan addresses the The Prime Minister sought progress reports The advisory portal will be a dedicated and meeting of federal cabinet on March 16. Im- in every cabinet meeting on the matters of integrated platform through which major ran Khan said big sector of economy includ- installation of EVM and voting process for think tanks and universities working on the ing tobacco, cement and sugar were wit- overseas Pakistanis. subject of national security will be able to nessing mass tax evasion, adding that sugar he National Security Division is holding the share policy recommendations directly with industry alone did not pay the tax of Rs 400 the national leadership. VoM

Chief of Naval Staff visit to Bahrain first-ever Islamabad Security Dialogue, a two- De-escalating Hostility billion in five years. In tobacco industry, he President calls for Bahrain top military leadership appreciates role of deepening bilateral Indo-Pak rapprochement, ‘Indus water Pak Navy in maintaining peace, stability in region officials to meet next week’ defence collaborations were discussed. ties with Bangladesh cial status. The historic Indus Waters ISLAMABAD Meeting between Indus commission- Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy’s The Naval Chief highlighted Pakistan Navy’s initia- ers of both countries to meet in New Treaty (IWT) 1960 was signed by both tive of Regional Maritime Security Patrol and contri- President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday said Delhi on March 23 and 24 countries but India has been violating initiative of Regional Maritime Security Pakistan highly valued its ties with Ban- butions of Pakistan Navy to maintain peace and or- ISLAMABAD the treaty in the cases of Kishangan- Patrol and contributions of Pakistan Navy der at Indian Ocean Region. The dignitaries greatly gladesh and wanted to further expand ga, Ratle Hydro Electric Power Proj- to maintain peace and order at Indian Following the successful backdoor appreciated role and contributions of Pakistan Navy cooperation by using the existing bilat- diplomacy, the Indus Water Commis- ects and other projects. Pakistan has Ocean Region in maintaining peace and stability in the region. eral mechanisms. sioners of Pakistan and India agreed raised the issue with the World Bank ISLAMABAD Later, the Naval Chief also called on the Deputy Com- He stressed the need for improving to meet on March 23 and 24 in New and at other global forums. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad mander HQ NAVCENT, Rear Admiral Curt Renshaw commercial and cultural relations with Delhi after a two-year hiatus, diplo- The development comes weeks after and discussed shared commitment towards mari- Bangladesh and promoting Political matic sources. Indus Water Com- Pakistan and India announced that top military leadership of Kingdom of Bahrain and time security. It is expected that the visit of Chief missioner Syed Muhammad Mehr Ali Khandiscussed Niazi matters during pertaining his official to visit maritime to Bahrain security met of the Naval Staff to Bahrain would greatly enhance Consultations at Foreign Secretary Lev- along the Line of Control (LoC) and all el and Joint Economic Commission. and bilateral defence collaborations. bilateral cooperation between both the countries in Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri will represent theyother had sectors. agreed The to announcementobserve a ceasefire was During the visit, the Naval Chief called on Com- The President made these remarks general and navies in particular. ShahPakistan, and Foreignthey added. Office ItSpokesperson will be the made simultaneously by both Islam- mander-in-Chief Bahrain Defence Forces (BDF) while talking to the Pakistan’s High 116th meeting of the Pakistan-India abad and New Delhi after a telephonic Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commissioner to Bangladesh Imran Indus Water Commissioners. The last conversation between senior military Commander Bahrain National Guard (BNG) Major Ahmed Siddiqui here at the Aiwan-e- meeting was held in Lahore two years General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Sadr. ago. The meeting could not be held The rare joint statement came against Khalifa, Commander Royal Bahrain Naval Forces for two years due to the coronavirus officialsthe backdrop of the twoof worsening countries. relations (RBNF) Rear Admiral Mohammed Yousif Al Asam Dr Alvi asked the High Commissioner to work for improving bilateral ties pandemic, tensions between the two between the two countries since the and Deputy Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central neighbouring countries and other fac- Pulwama incident in February 2019. Command (US NAVCENT) Rear Admiral Curt Ren- between the two countries. He under- scored the need to enhance commercial tors. shaw, in separate meetings, said a Pakistan Navy According to The Hindu, the Indian press release received here on Tuesday. relations, business-to-business cooper- delegation will be led by PK Saxena, Upon his arrival at RBNF Headquarter, the Admiral ation and people-to-people contacts for India’s Indus Commissioner, with his was received by Commander RBNF and a ceremoni- the mutual benefit of the two countries. al Guard of Honour was presented to the Naval Chief He urged the need to enhance bilateral meeting between the two commis- on the occasion. cultural and political exchanges as well advisers.sioners after This the will BJP-led also be Modi the gov first- - ernment had in August 2019 revoked miral regarding RBNF. During the separate meetings as increase cooperation in the field of sports to further cement cooperation Article 370 of the Indian constitution Awith comprehensive military leadership briefing of was the alsoKingdom given of to Bahrain, the Ad between the two sides. that gave Indian Occupied Jammu matters related to maritime security and bilateral and Kashmir (IIOJK) territory a spe- Geopolitics Energy Market Ahead of Alaska talks with China, US Oil drops amid rising stockpiles and COVID-19 demand concerns

sounds out Asian allies The pandemic eviscerated demand in the talks with China from Thursday the world, not a threat. for oil but prices have recovered to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman to Friday could be softer. “What China has always safeguarded levels seen before the global health Zhao Lijian responded to Austin’s remarks According to the US Department of State is the international order with the UN crisis, only to be capped as vaccina- at a routine press conference on Monday, on Saturday, Austin will discuss enhanc- at its core, with international law as tion rollouts have been slow in most saying that China’s development will in- ing capabilities with Japan and South its foundation, rather than the ‘inter- countries crease the forces of peace in the world, Korea. “China is our pacing threat,” US national order’ defined by any specific LONDON which is an opportunity for the world, not defense secretary told reporters travel- country to protect its own hegemony,” Oil prices dropped on Tuesday, extend- a threat ling with him. “Our goal is to make sure Zhao said. ing declines to three consecutive days, BEIJING that we have the capabilities and the op- In the era of globalization, the real dam- as rising stockpiles in the United States Ahead of US Secretary of State Antony erational plans and concepts to be able age to the international order is to form added to the risks to a demand recovery Blinken’s and Defense Secretary Lloyd to offer credible deterrence to China or cliques based on ideology, and to target after countries including Germany and Austin’s upcoming “2+2” dialogues with anybody else who would want to take other countries, and this won’t win any France halted COVID-19 vaccinations. their Japanese and South Korean coun- on the US.” support and has no way out, Zhao noted. Brent crude was $1.03 cents, or 1.5%, terparts from Tuesday to Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman “China’s definition of the international lower at $67.85 by 1002 GMT. U.S. crude the US has sent some hostile signals, Zhao Lijian responded to Austin’s re- order would be more welcomed in the was down 96 cents, or 1.4%, at $64.43 such as saying the US needs to offer marks at a routine press conference on region. The Quad mechanism consist- a barrel. Germany, France and Italy “credible deterrence” to China. Monday, saying that China’s develop- ing of the US, Japan, Australia and India plan to suspend AstraZeneca COVID- Blinken and National Security Advisor ment will increase the forces of peace has four countries. Most countries in the 19 injections after reports of possible Jake Sullivan will meet Chinese chief in the world, which is an opportunity for region have not been included,” said Lü serious side effects, although the World to be capped as vaccination rollouts rencies is weighing on oil prices. diplomats in Anchorage, Alaska later Xiang, an expert in US studies with the Health Organization said there was no have been slow in most countries. The American Petroleum Institute, an this week. Chinese experts said the US Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. established link to the vaccine. In the United States, stockpiles are industry group, will report crude stock is actually waiting for responses from its Many US allies or partners have already These moves are deepening concerns also rising because of last month’s pile levels later on Tuesday, followed by allies, to see how much effort its allies been used by the US to confront China in about a slow pace of vaccinations in the “big freeze” which halted refining op- official numbers from the Department could make to serve its strategy to con- the past few years, such the Philippines, European Union, which may delay any erations that have taken time to fully of Energy on Wednesday, with analysts tain China, ahead of the meeting with Australia and India, and they were try- economic recovery from the pandemic return. expecting another week of gains. Chinese senior officials in Anchorage. ing to please the US to gain more sup- in one of the hardest-hit areas. “Short-term direction will be set by Crude inventories increased by 12.8 If US allies don’t want to be used by port by being aggressive against China, The pandemic eviscerated demand for the weekly U.S. inventory reports,” million barrels in the week to March 5, Washington or are unwilling to offend and they have all paid the price, said oil but prices have recovered to levels PVM analysts said in a note, adding the against analysts’ expectations for a rise China too much, the tone of US officials Chinese analysts. seen before the global health crisis, only strength of the dollar against other cur- of less than 1 million barrels. Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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Editor-in-Chief: Amna Malik Editor: Muhammad Hassam AI prowess: A new norm of superiority Assistant Editor:Syed Mushahid Naqvi of AI in the robots –which could be used for civilian both South Asian nuclear powers are playing catch-up Phone: + 92 51 2814017 Offce # 407/408, 4th Floor, Evacuee and military purposes. Current developments in the in the world competition on military AI. A compari- field of AI is rapidly growing, having far-reaching con- son of Indian and Pakistani military advances in the Trust, Agha Khan Road, F-5/1 Islamabad sequences for the national and international security realm of military AI with the dominant powers like and dominant military powers like the USA, China and the US, China, and Russia shows uncertainty and both Russia are harnessing this disruptive technology for nuclear archrivals seems to be under-resourced and their military modernization and defence purposes. inefficient in defence research and advance tech in- The use of AI in intelligence gathering and analysis, dustries.It is evident from the current developments Fading Cultures Awais Siddique logistics, AI based weapon platforms, cyber and in- that AI will be an imperative part of military affairs formation related operations, command and control, in near future and will have a disruptive impact on akistan is a state where multiple ethnic groups are living with s Alfred Thayer Mahan hinted in the last century and in a variety of semiautonomous and autonomous the security landscape. Although current military their own beautiful and rich cultures. All the four provinces includ- that,A “whoever rules the waves rules the world”, vehicles is a bone of contention in the academia, affairs are more automatic rather than autonomous ing Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir have their distinct sub-national Russian President Vladimir Putin succinctly puts it supranational organizations striving for peace and and AI application is limited, such as semi-autono- cultures and their mixture makes a national culture, which is a now as, “whoever wins the race for AI superiority will militaries struggling to safeguard their sovereignty mous or teleoperated robots and UAVs but there is culture of Pakistan. The beauty of the state lies in the homogene- become the ruler of the world.” Emerging technolo- and national interests.These AI led advances in the an ongoing global effort to develop such systems for ity among the different cultures. In cultural language is the most gies and disruptive innovations has been key influ- domain of military renders the technology as a force- defence purposes such as autonomous tanks, under- important tenet which provides an immediate sense of a strong bond among the encer of international relations and security, and an multiplier and heightens the probability of AI exploi- water vehicles etc. which in turn is spiraling into an Ppeople. The foundations of national unity are deeply embedded in the cultural tation for threatening the adversarial nuclear forces arms race of autonomous systems. It is the need of variances. Punjab is the largest province of the state in terms of population. It Incorporation of new technologies in the realm of and escalating tensions.Having its pros and cons, at the hour to put halt to the arms race of autonomy comprises more than half of the state’s population. The word Punjab means integralmilitary definingoften result characteristic in new threats of the and major challenges, powers. one end, the application of AI for military moderniza- and incorporation of disruptive technologies like AI “land of Five rivers.” because the five major rivers of the country are through the which challenge the conventional notions of competi- tion allows the weaker nuclear-armed states to over- in military affairs and this is possible through tak- landmass of Punjab. Punjabi’s considered the largest ethnic group of Pakistan tion and power, changing the security landscape al- come the imbalance of power, while on the other side ing confidence building measures and increased en- but the dilemma is that their culture is less exposed and practiced. It is wit- together. Among all emerging technologies, Artificial it also exacerbates suspicions that dominant military gagement of nation-states in multilateral forums and nessed that Punjabi’s are very much reluctant to speak their language, slangs Intelligence (AI), although in its embryonic phase, powers may employ it to further solidify their mar- global institutions like UN Group of Experts on Lethal and to wear their traditional attires. Rich cultures produce rich histories in has been most potent and torrential due to its cross- tial supremacy and engage in actions that are more Autonomous Weapon Systems. Keeping the nuclear which intellectuals and thinkers grow and become the source of pride for their cutting utility in military and intelligence affairs. The provocative. Meanwhile, in the South Asian region, peace in a time of such technological advances will motherland. But unfortunately in the major cities of Punjab, if someone talks in most obvious application of AI in military and intel- India and Pakistan are progressively concerned about require the cooperation of every nuclear power in the the local language people discourage them by giving suspicious gazes. Language ligence affairs is its use in developing smart and in- the potential benefits of AI for defence and security domain of emerging technologies especially AI and its cannot be a criterion of intelligence it is just a medium to communicate with terconnected systems and its role in decision-making. purposes. Currently, a debate has started on the op- use as a weapon. It will require new global institu- the fellows. Punjab arts council is striving hard to protect the culture and took At one end, AI acts as the status-quo enhancer but on portunities and risks posed by the AI renaissance tions and agreements, new understandings among some serious steps in this regard. They started brief theatrical performances, the other hand, it reverses the balance of power. The in the military realm. However, it suffers from large rival states, and new technological, diplomatic, and dramas, Lok-songs, cultural demonstrations, etc. which were held through- nascent developments in the field of AI is a major loopholes, particularly in the incipient discussion on military safeguards. out the year in different cities of the province. Punjabi’s should practice their threat to the prevalent nuclear deterrence of nations the potential impact of AI on strategic stability and culture; otherwise, this apologetic behavior of the Punjabi’s would let their because ability of AI to make swift analysis, its utility nuclear risk in South Asia. A glance at the military The author is Assistant Editor TAT and Digital Editor culture towards extinction and the coming generations will surely unable to in payload delivery, and most significant one is the use modernization plans of India and Pakistan hints that Melange Magazine draw their cultural linkage with the ancestors. There is a dire need to protect the culture and it is the moral obligation of every resident of masses belonging to this nation and country. Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect The Asian Telegraph point-of-view Conventional weapons; a threat to global peace, security Today in History

onventional weapons refer to the weapons that are not weapons of March 17, 1990 - Lithuania rejects Soviet demand to renounce its independence mass destruction and are comprised of the most common weapons which are usually used in all types of conflicts and limited range fights. These weapons ordinarily include; artillery, small arms (pis- he former Soviet Socialist nationalists took the repudiation troops occupied sections of the capi- powers in the Soviet Union were tols, rifles, and grenades, etc.), combat vehicles, landmines, combat Republic of Lithuania stead- of the Brezhnev Doctrine as a sig- tal city of Vilnius. In January 1991, quickly eroding. In December 1991, helicopters, light weapons, warships, and ammunition. They are the Tfastly rejects a demand from nal that a declaration of independ- the Soviets launched a larger-scale 11 of the Soviet Socialist Republics principal tools used at wars even up to the present day. Conventional weapons the Soviet Union that it renounce ence might be accepted. On March military operation against Lithuania. proclaimed their independence and Care least expensive and readily available to any individual or a group and can its declaration of independence. 11, 1990, Lithuania declared that Many in the United States were hor- established the Commonwealth of be used to generate political, social, and religious unrest in societies. The use of The situation in Lithuania quickly it was an independent nation, the rified, and the U.S. Congress acted Independent States. Just a few days these arms is sensed as a danger on a very large scale because of its unregulated became a sore spot in U.S.-Soviet first of the Soviet republics to do quickly to end economic assistance after this action, Gorbachev resigned trade, as the world focuses more on the proliferation of nuclear weapons and relations. The Soviet Union had so. It had, however, overestimated to the Soviet Union. Gorbachev was as president and what was left of the neglects the count of wars been fought with conventional weapons. Moreover, seized the Baltic state of Lithuania Gorbachev’s intentions. The Soviet incensed by this action, but his Soviet Union ceased to exist. conventional weapons today are not just limited at the disposal of the state, in 1939. Lithuanians complained leader was willing to let communist now these weapons have been spread in the society and ordinary citizens use long and loud about this absorp- governments in its satellites fall to them without hesitating which disrupts the Social fabric. For instance, Amnesty tion into the Soviet empire, but democratic movements, but this International reported that “decades of reckless arms trading fueled the emer- to no avail. Following World War policy did not apply to the repub- gence and rise of ISSI”. On the prohibition of their proliferation and illicit trade, II, Soviet forces did not withdraw lics of the Soviet Union. The Soviet United Nations General Assembly and Security Council passed several resolu- and the United States made little government responded harshly to tions and arms treaties. In 2013 UNGA adopted the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), effort to support Lithuanian in- the Lithuanian declaration of inde- which was the first-ever global treaty aiming to prevent the use of conventional dependence. There matters stood pendence and issued an ultimatum: weapons in war crimes, genocides, human rights abuses, and their uncontrolled until 1985 and the rise of Mikhail renounce independence or face the use by criminals. Before this treaty, there was a significant lack of norms and Gorbachev as leader of the Soviet consequences. On March 17, the worldwide rules to trade small arms. The asymmetric proliferation of these Union. In 1989, as part of his policy Lithuanians gave their answer, re- traditional weapons enhances the chances of conflict in multiple regions. The of loosening political repression in jecting the Soviet demand and ask- huge businesses of arms suppliers who remain the major beneficiaries of weap- the Soviet empire and improving ing that “democratic nations” grant ons being used at large do not support the regulations and indeed are the relations with the West, Gorbachev them diplomatic recognition. The ones responsible to spread the weapons threatening the global peace equally repudiated the Brezhnev Doctrine of Soviets had not been bluffing. The as compared to the non-conventional weapons. The international community 1968, which stated that the Soviet Soviet government insisted that it must adopt a “Do More” policy to control arms trafficking and to demotivate Union was justified in using force still controlled Lithuania, Gorbachev the smugglers and suppliers of these dangerous weapons, otherwise, the level to preserve already existing com- issued economic sanctions against of uncertainty would surge threatening global peace and security. munist governments. Lithuanian the rebellious nation, and Soviet

Box Office Newly Named Asteroids Reflect Grammy bosses under fire over Naya Rivera, Nick Contributions of Pioneering Astronauts Cordero In Memoriam snubs CALIFORNIA careers, both were selected in 1996 to join NASA’s Twenty-seven asteroids have been named in Astronaut Group 16, nicknamed “The Sardines” honor of African American, Hispanic, and Native because of its large class size of 44 candidates. LOS ANGELES truly had a powerhouse voice and was a “You can sing a Broadway song for the “They shoulda honoured Nick Cordero in American astronauts, and one cosmonaut, who As an electrical engineer at NASA’s Kennedy Space Fans of late singer/actress Naya Rivera heroic mother. @RecordingAcad should memoriam but you can’t include the the memorial section if they can nomi- have helped expand our horizons beyond Earth Center in Florida, Higginbotham worked on 53 and Broadway star Nick Cordero were be ashamed.” “So we just supposed to act Broadway actor who suffered from nate Broadway performers, they can and to inspire the next generation of space ex- space shuttle launches between 1996 and 2007. As left outraged after they were left out of like the #GRAMMYs didn’t forget about Covid? What the actual hell.” honor them. (sic),” insisted a third. plorers. Among the 27 people who inspired an astronaut, she launched from Kennedy aboard the Grammys’ In Memoriam tribute on this perfect angel? They have some ex- these new asteroid names are Stephanie D. the space shuttle Discovery to the International Sunday. The former Glee star died aged plaining to do!! I know I can’t be the Wilson, Joan Higginbotham, and Ed Dwight Jr., a Space Station (ISS), where she served as a mission 33 after accidentally drowning during a only one upset,” added a second person, captain in the U.S. Air Force who became the first specialist on an assembly mission. boating trip with her young son Josey, while a third noted: “I didn’t watch the African American astronaut trainee in 1961. José Wilson, an aerospace engineer, worked for sev- five, last July at Lake Piru in California. grammy’s but they’re disgusting for not Hernández, who developed the first full-field digi- eral years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in During her lifetime, Naya received two giving a tribute to Naya Rivera.” tal mammography imaging system, also inspired Pasadena, California, as a member of the Attitude Grammy Awards nominations as part of Other social media users pointed out an asteroid name. and Articulation Control Subsystem team for the Glee cast - for Best Pop Performance Naya’s name was mentioned online but The full list of astronauts and their namesake as- NASA’s Galileo spacecraft. After becoming an astro- by a Duo or Group with Vocals for Don’t did not appear on TV, but insisted: “Idc teroids was released on February 23 by the Minor naut, she traveled to the space station three times, Stop Believin’ (Glee cast version) in 2011 (I don’t care) if there is a 1,000 name list Planet Center, an organization affiliated with the logging more than 42 days in space. and Best Compilation Soundtrack for on the #GRAMMYs website.” Fans were International Astronomical Union (IAU), that’s re- Visual Media for Glee: The Music, Volume also furious over Nick Cordero’s absence sponsible for the identification, designation and 4 in 2012. However, fans were quick to from the memoriam, after he died aged orbit computation for minor planets and other ob- notice the star, who played Santana Lopez 41 in July last year following a battle with jects. Up until now, these asteroids had provisional on the hit Fox show, was snubbed during coronavirus. names indicating their time of discovery. All 27 the segment, and took to social media to “Why did they not include Nick Cordero are located in the asteroid belt between Mars and share their disappointment. in that tribute or Naya Rivera whose Jupiter. (103738) Stephaniewilson and (103739) “The fact that they didn’t honor Naya death had such an impact? Grammys do Higginbotham were named after women who Rivera on screen who was not only a solo better,” wrote one user, while a second have made significant contributions to space singer, song writer, but was a two time added: “Pardon my French but where the exploration. On top of distinguished engineering Grammy nominee,” penned one user. “She hell was Nick Cordero in the memoriam!

Illustrating the Covid-19 pandemic WASHINTON unexpectedly went viral on social media. Even did offer a silver lining. She embarked on a There’s barely any country in the world that the World Economic Forum shared it. She was freelance career and worked with academic hasn’t been touched by the coronavirus pan- approached by people all over the world want- researchers, medical tech start-ups, doctors demic and its aftershocks.But with so much ing to see the poster in different languages and surgeons. Rastan, who finds a lot of her information out there, it’s sometimes hard to and offering to translate her explanations. It’s inspiration comes from nature, has a new digest all the details and fully take it in.Ahead now available to download in 18 languages on job in the US now.But she continues to spend of International Women’s Day on 8 March, we her website. Rastan says: “I’m not a frontline her spare time on a passion project on social invite you to meet three women who are using worker; I’m not in health care, but you help media called Lumi Science where she’s still their artistic talents, combined with their ex- out in whatever way you can and for me that visualising the virus and its variants.“Science pertise in the fields of science, health and tech- was using my art. She adds science can have a communication is so key to society. When you nology to help the fight against coronavirus. reputation for being difficult to learn and that understand something, you’re empowered to Avesta Rastan, 25, is a visual science com- does deter people but illustrations bridge that try to change it or try to mitigate the risk”, she municator currently living in California. At gap and could encourage more to enter her says. the start of the pandemic, she realised there field. “Science itself isn’t hard - it’s a natural Dr Radhika Patnala is a neuroscientist and weren’t many infographics revealing how process for humans; we’re naturally curious the founder and director of the start-up Sci- Covid-19 directly affected the human body. and want to understand how things work”, she Illustrate. The Indian-born entrepreneur, So the artist, who is of Iranian and Canadian adds. In the future she wants to be involved in who studied in Singapore and Australia be- heritage, and is a member of the Association building educational platforms. But for now, fore moving to Munich, Germany, says one of of Medical Illustrators, saw a unique oppor- she’s spreading the word about her unusual the beauties of working in science is that the tunity to use her skills and her training in career. “I have definitely noticed in the past 10 field is incredibly collaborative and crosses pathological illustration (the drawing of dis- to 20 years there are more women in this field geographical and institutional boundaries. ease) to help the wider public. “I saw lots of than men. In the older generations it was defi- Her company creates science illustrations illustrations and 3D models of the virus itself nitely a male dominated field but now things for a whole range of clients but she also has and its protein but I didn’t really see what it are changing,” she says. And while the pan- several passion projects underway, with the did to us,” she explained. She started investi- demic has been a terrible thing for the world most recent focused on her response to the gating and soon created an infographic that to go through, Rastan admits that for her it pandemic. Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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KSE-100 posts modestrecorded an increase of 90.47gains points, or 0.2%, in to monetarychoppy policy meeting whichtrade would take place settle at 44,857.06 points. Arif Habib Limited, in its on March 19, he added. Top volume leaders were report, stated that the market traded in a narrow Unity Foods (+5%), Telecard Limited (+7.9%), TRG range after adding a total of 2,500 points to 42,700 Pakistan (+7.5%), Ghani Glass (+3%), Pakistan points in the last two trading sessions. Leveraged Refinery (-2.3%) and Fauji Fertiliser Bin Qasim positions continued to cause jitters, which kept activ- (+1.7%), which contributed a cumulative 155 million A-Rod jets off to Dominican ity in the technology sector as well as the food sector shares (38%) to the total volume. Pressure was seen a bit volatile, it said. Cement sector stocks went up in the cement and steel sectors where Lucky Cement Republic to be with J.Lo earlier in the day, however, selling pressure brought (-0.2%), Kohat Cement (-1.4%), Pioneer Cement them down by the close, the report added. Besides (-2.3%), DG Khan Cement (-2.1%), Aisha Steel Mills amid split reports cement, oil and gas marketing companies, steel and (-1.5%) and Mughal Iron and Steel (-2.8%) closed Benchmark index advances 90.47 exploration and production sectors faced selling in the negative zone. Oil prices in the international points to settle at 44,857.06 pressure. Sectors contributing to the performance market were lower than the previous day, which neg- Bureaau Report included technology (+124 points), banks (+60 atively impacted the local exploration and produc- KARACHI points), fertiliser (+42 points), textile (+23 points), tion sector with Pakistan Petroleum (-0.8%), Oil and The stock market extended gains on Tuesday as cement (-54 points), oil and gas marketing compa- Gas Development Company (-0.8%) and Pakistan the benchmark KSE-100 index posted a modest nies (-28 points), power (-28 points), and explora- Oilfields (-0.6%) losing ground. “Moving forward, we rise, finishing its third successive session in the tion and production (-27 points). Individually, stocks recommend investors to sell on strength amid pos- green. Trading remained choppy for the entire day that contributed positively to the index included sibility of louder political noise ahead of the sched- where the index rose to intra-day high of 144 points. TRG Pakistan (+104 points), HBL (+28 points), uled long march,” the analyst said. Overall trading Investors welcomed the growth in large-scale manu- Engro Fertilisers (+21 points), Meezan Bank (+19 volumes fell to 408.5 million shares compared with facturing sector, which grew 7.9% in the first seven points) and Systems Limited (+15 points). Stocks Monday’s tally of 455.5 million. The value of shares months of current fiscal year. Moreover, expecta- that contributed negatively were Hubco (-37 points), traded during the day was Rs19.99 billion. Shares tions about the monetary policy announcement by Pakistan State Oil (-17 points), DG Khan Cement of 405 companies were traded. At the end of the the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday (March (-14 points), Maple Leaf Cement (-12 points) and day, 168 stocks closed higher, 213 declined and 24 19) kept the investment climate positive. Earlier, Oil and Gas Development Company (-12 points). JS remained unchanged. Unity Foods was the volume trading began on a positive note but unfortunately Global analyst Maaz Mulla said the KSE-100 index leader with 37.2 million shares, gaining Rs1.42 to tables turned and the bourse failed to sustain the remained mixed after touching intra-day high and close at Rs29.97. It was followed by Telecard Limited DUBAI momentum. The session remained largely volatile low of +144 and -221 points respectively. It closed with 35.6 million shares, gaining Rs0.58 to close at Alex Rodriguez has jetted to the Dominican Republic to where bears and bulls tried to wrestle control of the session at 44,857, up 90 points or 0.2%. The Rs7.93 and TRG Pakistan with 28.5 million shares, spend time with Jennifer Lopez amid speculation their the market. At close, the benchmark KSE-100 index market remained dull amid announcement of the gaining Rs9.67 to close at Rs138.65. romance is fading. The singer and actress, who is in the country to shoot her 87% of UAE workers admit to sharing Savola profits surge as Gulf shoppers latest film Shotgun Wedding with costar Josh Duhamel, confidential company info shrugged off reports the couple had ended their engage- filled their freezers ment and split over the weekend, but confessed she and Bureaau Report 22 percent was details of HR issues, 19 Bureaau Report “For the year 2020 as compared to the former baseball star are “working through some DUBAI percent was information in contracts, RIYADH last year, net profits from the food pro- things” in a statement. From client information and HR issues 33 percent was insights into their com- Saudi food giant Savola reported a 92 cessing, frozen foods and investments Alex also made it clear he’s not single when he was to corporate passwords and COVID-19 pany’s business plans, 13 percent dis- percent jump in profits last year driven increased by 6.4 percent, 57.1 percent quizzed about his relationship status in Miami on test results, UAE office workers have ad- closed COVID-19 test results, 21 percent by rising demand for frozen foods.The and 15.6 percent, respectively,” the Saturday morning. On Monday he then posted a video Chilean cherry export- mitted to sharing confidential informa- passed on company credit card details, company behind some of the Kingdom’s company said in a filing to the Tadawul of his trip to the Dominican Republic, including a shot tion with those outside their company, and 11 percent admitted to handing best known supermarket brands said stock exchange on Tuesday. of his resort by the ocean, to his Instagram Story. He also ers bullish on Chinese according to a new survey. over corporate passwords. net income jumped to SR910.8 mil- Frozen food sales surged worldwide shared photos of himself signing baseball cards during The study by Veritas Research, which While a third of those surveyed said lion ($242.6 million) last year — even last year, especially during the early his flight. appetite surveyed 12,500 office workers across they had been reprimanded by senior though overall sales rose only margin- days of the pandemic when consumers “Happy Monday. New week. New day,” he wrote, tagging Bureaau Report 10 countries, including the UAE, found management for revealing company in- ally to about SR21.7 billion. panic bought staple items through fear Lopez in the post, adding: “Onward. Upward.” BEIJING that 87 percent of office workers in the formation, 79 percent of respondents The standout performer for the Jeddah- of shortages emerging. Lopez and Rodriguez became engaged in early 2019 Chilean cherry exporters are still betting emirates said they had shared sensitive said they would probably do so again based group was its frozen food seg- Some of the world’s largest food pro- but had to shelve plans for a lavish destination wedding on the big appetites of Chinese consumers, and business-critical company data in the future. ment where revenues grew 18.8 ducers including Nestle and Unilever twice during the past year, due to coronavirus concerns. even as a virus scare ruined what could be a with those outside their organization. “Business data is now everywhere. percent. have benefited from an increase in peo- Between them, they share four children from previous good business year following a bumper har- Of the information disclosed, 28 per- Deals are being done, orders are being ple eating at home during coronavirus relationships: Lopez’s 13-year-old twins Maximilian vest, industry insiders said on Tuesday. The cent was related to client information, processed, and sensitive personnel in- lockdowns. David and Emme Maribel, and the former MLB player’s comments came as the 2020-21 season of formation is being shared, all through Gulf food producers are emerging from daughters: 12-year-old Ella and 16-year-old Natasha. Chilean cherries shipped to China, at 330,000 video-conferencing and messaging a tough trading period prior to last year tons, were almost sold out, and China’s new platforms,” said Johnny Karam, manag- as the introduction of value added tax Cheryl thinks about Sarah Ambassador to Chile Niu Qingbao dismissed ing director and vice president of inter- in some countries and the departure of a “China revenge” theory over a virus- national emerging regions at Veritas expats led to a lull in consumer spend- Harding’s cancer battle positive cherry incident that took place in Technologies. ing that is now abating. mid-January. ‘every waking hour’ at his new posting, Ambassador Niu said that Chinese firms listed in US seek home-return listings for Inno hissuch first thing interview existed, with and the any Chilean theory press that China had taken revenge on Chilean cher- stable environment and higher valuations ries for its political stance was no more than groundless speculation. Gonzalo Matamala, general manager for China & APAC region Bureaau Report China Telecom confirmed recently that it is plan- According to Fu, by listing on the A-share markets, with Chilean fruit grower and exporter BEIJING ning to apply for a listing on the Shanghai stock mar- not only will China Mobile be able to raise more Giddings Fruit, said despite the incident in More and more Chinese firms listed in the US are ket. Independent telecoms, media and technology funds as many of its users will become potential January that dealt a devastating blow to en- likely to return back to the Chinese mainland’s analyst Fu Liang told the Global Times that China investors, it will also have more chances to carry thusiastic exporters, traders and retailers, A-share stock markets to go public, not only because Mobile’s return to the A-share markets should be out industry chain cooperation. their expectations for this winter’s fruit sales of an increasingly unfriendly US business environ- something that the company is happy to do, with China Mobile’s potential return, to some extent, remained bullish. ment, but because this will drive their valuations up, or without the US crackdown, as its valuations are shows that global markets are growing increas- “Thankfully, the incident is over and Chinese experts said, following news of China Mobile being expected to swell in the mainland, where capital is ingly decentralized, experts said. “The US market consumers have eaten the fruit ... as in the ready to list in the A-share markets. plentiful and investors are more familiar with the was once the only choice for more than 80 percent past maybe they couldn’t, and we also won The mainland-based telecom giant is considering company’s business. of Chinese technology companies that wanted to a big amount of new clients,” Matamala told listing on the A-share stock markets after it was re- “To be frank, China Mobile’s ADR listing in New York go public, but now this has changed. The mainland the Global Times on Tuesday. Chile launched moved from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is becoming increasingly meaningless with meager and other overseas capital markets are rising, and an intensive PR campaign in January and under an investment ban launched by the Trump transactions, and the US sanctions are actually help- the freer flow of international capital means that DUBAI February, after a Chinese locality announced administration, Bloomberg cited sources as saying. ing them to escape the trap,” Fu said on Tuesday. investors can invest in companies wherever they Cheryl thinks about her friend and former bandmate that it had found a batch of imported cher- The size and timing of the listing has not been de- are listed,” Fu said. Sarah Harding’s battle with cancer “every waking hour”. ries that was COVID-19 positive, and cherry cided yet. The US’ tightening of supervision on Chinese com- The 39-year-old former Girls Aloud singer revealed prices began to plummet in China because China Mobile said that it had no further comment panies listed there is speeding up the trend, as these in September last year that she had been diagnosed of this news. Exporters and importers took for the time being when contacted by the Global companies are feeling increasingly insecure in the with advanced breast cancer, which has now spread a direct hit, with some going bankrupt after Times on Tuesday. The NYSE in January delisted US. Global index provider FTSE Russell has proposed to her spine. being forced to sell the highly perishable fruit three state-owned carriers -- China Mobile, China that Chinese mobile phone giant Xiaomi should be In Sarah’s upcoming memoir Hear Me Out, Cheryl for extremely low prices. Telecom and China Unicom Hong Kong -- in line with eligible for re-inclusion in its indexes from June wrote an excerpt in which she detailed her reaction Chinese epidemiologists also weighed in, the Trump-era executive order, which banned US 2021, after it dropped Xiaomi from its indexes in a to her friend’s health news, and said she felt helpless clarifying the actual risk of being infected by investments in Chinese firms deemed as related to line with a US executive order signed by former US and heartbroken. coronavirus via imported fruit was very low. the Chinese military. president Donald Trump. “The news of Sarah’s illness hit me so hard. Since that day, she’s been on my brain every waking hour – so much so that I feel like I want to be with her,” the mother-of-one wrote, noting that due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, she’s unable to see Sarah. “Sometimes, she and I FaceTime, she sounds strong, and we can chat away happily for hours. Other times Misbah unhappy after ‘112 kg’ Sharjeel Joshua and Fury sign she’s just wiped out. I suppose that’s the nature of it; it seems so unpredictable,” the Fight For This Love gets selectors’ nod two-fight deal to unify hitmaker explained. heavyweight boxing titles Yara Shahidi joins Head coach believes the selection of opener weighs 112 kilos, which Misbah Pakistan captain Babar Azam was also Staff Report more than a year since defeating Sharjeel will pave the way for more finds unacceptable for international unhappy with certain selections in the DUBAI Deontay Wilder in February 2020 the Dior Stands With ‘unfit’ players in Pakistan team cricket. Misbah also found it surprising squad and shared his grievances with Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to claim the WBC title. Joshua previ- Bureau Report that leg-spinner Yasir Shah was ignored PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan. will clash for the title of undisputed ously stated he hoped the fight could Women campaign KARACHI on fitness grounds but the same measure However, PCB representative main- world heavyweight champion after take place as early as June. Pakistan head coach Misbahul Haq is un- didn’t apply to Sharjeel. tains that there is no truth to the afore- signing a two-fight deal, Joshua’s pro- “[The coronavirus pandemic] is get- happy after an overweight Sharjeel Khan Sources further added that Sharjeel is un- mentioned reports and said that all moter Eddie Hearn said on Monday. ting close to things being normal. was selected in Pakistan’s T20I squad for likely to feature in the playing XI despite decisions have been taken after discus- The locations and dates for the We’re working on a date for around the upcoming Africa tour. being selected in the squad. sions between chief selector and team much-anticipated all-­British show- June,” the former Olympic champion Since taking charge of the Men in Green, Few media reports recently claimed that management. downs are yet to be announced. told Sky News. “I’m ready. I’m really Misbah has emphasized the impor- Hearn said a venue for the fights, in looking forward to competition - all I tance of fitness in international cricket. which Joshua’s WBA, IBF and WBO want to do is fight, fight, fight.” However, Chief Selector Mohammad titles and Fury’s WBC belt will be Fury has consistently made jibes at Wasim does not seem to be on the same on the line, is set to be confirmed Joshua’s expense, claiming in January page as the head coach. According to “within the next month.” that he would knock out his fellow sources, Misbah believes the selection of According to reports, Saudi Arabia, Brit within two rounds. Sharjeel will pave the way for more ‘unfit’ where Joshua won a rematch against However, last week the self-styled players in Pakistan team. Few years ago Andy Ruiz Jr in December 2019, is “Gypsy King” said he had stopped during an international tour, Misbah had the frontrunner. training after becoming tired of wait- asked then former head coach Mickey But Hearn told ESPN he “already had ing for the fight to be agreed. Arthur to send Sharjeel back to Pakistan approaches from eight or nine sites” “I’m not training anymore,” Fury told as he weighed 96 kilos. Now, the tainted across the Middle East, Asia, eastern ESPN. “I’m taking some time away Europe and the US. “We’d like to get from the game at the moment, be- DUBAI a site deal confirmed in the next cause, like I said, I’ve been ready to Part-Middle Eastern star Yara Shahidi has joined forces with Messi equals Xavi’s record month,” he said. fight since I beat Deontay Wilder last actress Charlize Theron for the second installment of the BARCELENO over so many years, over so many games... on the stroke of halftime. Both Joshua, 31, and Fury, 32, are ex- year. I’ve had no success in getting Dior Stand with Women campaign. Lionel Messi scored a spectacular double he’s the most important player in Barcelona’s But Messi helped Barca pull away, sending pected to earn 100 million pounds another fight.” Last Fall, Christian Dior Parfums teamed up with Theron the same night he equaled Xavi Hernandez’s history and thank goodness he’s still here in a cross for Oscar Mingueza to head in ($139 million) each, with the purse All four belts will be contested in a to launch the empowering initiative. Now, Dior Parfums is appearance record for Barcelona, the with us. and then scoring his second as the Catalans split 50-50 for the first fight and heavyweight bout for the first time. taking the campaign to the next level by adding women like Argentinian inspiring his team to a 4-1 win “I think he’s shown he’s the best player in the moved to within four points of league leaders 60-40 for the rematch in favor of the The last undisputed heavyweight Shahidi to the roster to share their message. over Huesca on Monday. world. The first goal he scored was fantastic, Atletico Madrid. defending champion. champion was Britain’s Lennox The “Grown-ish” star features in a series of portraits and Messi tied Xavi’s 767 games in all competi- and he deserves to be the focal point of this Messi’s performance had all the key elements Since avenging a shock defeat to Lewis, from 1999 to 2000. A boxer videos alongside American actress, director and producer tions for Barca and marked yet another mile- team.” Teenager Pedri, who was called up of the 33-year-old’s genius. In a game that Ruiz, Joshua has defended his titles is now required to hold the WBO Natalie Portman, Chinese actress and singer Li Bingbing, US stone with a brilliant brace, a curling effort in to the Spain national team for the first time celebrated his longevity, he showed his class against Kubrat Pulev in London in belt to be recognised as undisputed model Dilone, South Korean figure skater Kim Yuna, Iranian- the first half flying in off the crossbar at Camp earlier on Monday, also praised Messi - a with perhaps his best goal of the season, his December. Fury has not fought for champion. French architect India Mahdavi and French-Moroccan Nou before a late shot nestled in the corner. player he has been earmarked to succeed at creativity with an assist and his consistency, writer and journalist Leila Slimani. “What more can you say [about Messi]?” a the Nou Camp. by making it 13 consecutive campaigns that The series of promotional videos is called beaming Koeman told reporters. “His level “To play alongside Leo is an absolute joy. I he has reached 20 La Liga goals. #Diorstandswithwomen and #Diorchinup. “What we know enjoy going to training every day,” said the “He’s so decisive,” said Huesca’s Mir. “They to be true is that so many young women aren’t given the 18-year-old. “Whenever I get it, I try and pass play with one man extra.” space to feel heard consistently, to feel as though people to him because every time he touches the Huesca stay bottom, four points adrift of are genuinely taking the time to hear what they are saying,” ball, something happens. It’s absolutely crazy safety, while Barcelona continue their own Shahidi shared in a clip. “When I go in to fight for what I what he’s achieving. He’s the best player in excellent form. believe is right or what is crucial for a certain project, I think the world.” Antoine Griezmann had earlier They have now managed 11 wins and a draw there’s many times that women — and it’s only exacerbated followed suit with another impressive shot from their last 12 matches, putting them when you’re a woman of color — toe the line between being into the top corner before Huesca pulled one within sight of Atletico, who they still have assertive and driven or aggressive. back, Rafa Mir converting a doubtful penalty to play at home in May. Wednesday, March 17, 2021 The Asian Telegraph www.theasiantelegraph.net

China’s model drone Bringing local, global technology to be used intellectuals, Islamabad for peace, development: Dialogue to hold objective Officials Civil Drone Authority will be mandated to discourse regulate and control the unmanned aircraft system in the country The second session will shed light on the vision ISLAMABAD of Economic Security and the importance of China’s model drone technology will economic diplomacy be used in Pakistan for commercial, ISLAMABAD research and development, agricul- The Islamabad Security Dialogue, a two-day tural and other peaceful purposes. international conference, being organized Impressed by the Drone laws in by the National Security Division will bring China, Prime Minister Imran Khan together local and global intellectuals to- has approved the establishment of a gether for an objective discourse on tradi- Civil Drone Authority last Saturday. tional and non-traditional national security The report says, employing drone issues. technology for development and The two-day international conference be- peaceful purposes was the need of ing held from March 17 to 18 would be in- the hour in Pakistan. augurated by the Prime Minister whereas According to Pakistani officials, Civil the second day session would be opened by Drone Authority will be mandated to the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed regulate and control the unmanned Bajwa, said an official of National Security aircraft system in the country. It Division. will also decide matters related to The opening session will hold extensive dis- licensing, importing, manufacturing, cussions on diverse issue ranging from Com- examining and issuing of drone per- prehensive National Security, security chal- mits, the statement showed. lenges in a transforming global and regional A higher official from Prime Minis- environment to Pakistan’s security impera- ter’s office said that responsibilities tives, and the country’s perception among of the authority will include devel- the comity of nations. oping standards for manufacturing, The second session will shed light on the operations, training and research Afghan peace process vision of Economic Security and the impor- and development. tance of economic diplomacy. Furthermore, it will also provide President, Center for Aerospace and Secu- technical guidance to the industrial Pakistan approaches key stakeholders in Afghan rity Studies (CASS) former Air Chief Marshal sector to facilitate domestic manu- (R) Kaleem Saadat will convene the session facturing. peace process with a diverse panel of local and interna- “Civil drone authority will also have tional experts and economists. the power to impose fines and penal- Pakistan is consulting regional actors on fast-paced diplomatic activities The second day, to be opened by the Army ties, revoke licences and prosecute,” ISLAMABAD Chief, will garner expert opinions on mul- the statement said. bers of the Islamic Emirate of Afghan- ghanistan and preserve achievements Pakistan has reached out to key re- istan, led by (Taliban co-founder) gained by Afghan people,” reported tifaceted issues of Instituting a Human Se- “Effective use of drone technology gional countries having stakes in curity Paradigm discussing diverse matters will help improve resource utiliza- Mullah Baradar Akhund will attend the Iranian state media. Afghanistan with a view to develop the meeting held in Moscow,” tweeted Sadiq said that his consultations with of Poverty Alleviation, managing Covid-19, tion and service delivery,” the state- a consensus amid renewed push by championing Climate Change and, terrorism ment quoted the PM as saying. Mohammad Naeem, spokesman for Iranian foreign minister was satisfac- the United States to seek an end to the Taliban office in Qatar. tory. and violent extremism. It is learnt that the secretary of the the decades-old war through a peace The fourth session will discuss regional Aviation Division, will be the head of The Moscow summit is aimed at About Sadiq’s visit, Pakistan’s Em- deal. pushing for a solution acceptable to bassy in Tehran had stated that it was peace and security whereas the last session Civil Drone Authority. As part of the diplomatic outreach, will engage experts on the issue of evolving Its members will include senior level all the parties concerned. Moscow to follow a high level of talks between Pakistan’s special envoy Ambassador has proposed an interim government the special envoy and top Iranian of- world order and Pakistan’s challenges and representations from the Pakistan Muhammad Sadiq travelled to Iran opportunities. Air Force, Civil Aviation, Defence comprising all players, including the ficials on regional issues and events and held talks with Iranian officials, Taliban. in Afghanistan as well, The Dialogue will be attended by federal Production, Interior Ministry and including Foreign Minister Muham- ministers, global and regional experts and the Ministry of Science and Technol- The proposal appears to be in sync As part of the four-point strategy by mad Javad Zarif. with the draft peace plan prepared by the Biden administration, a UN spon- media. The event is being conducted in hy- ogy. The visit came just days before the brid format with only limited participants “The involvement of all stakeholders the US that also seeks a transitional sored meeting of foreign ministers March 18 meeting being hosted by Afghan peace government compris- from Pakistan, China, Russia, Iran invited to attend physically under strict Co- will help the performance of the du- Moscow to break stalemate in the Af- vid protocols. ties of the authority and better coor- ing of the Afghan Taliban and all oth- and India is likely to be convened. ghan peace process. er political groups. The meeting is aimed at developing However, the dialogue would be telecast live dination between the institutions,” Pakistan as well as China, the US and at the official website of Islamabad dialogue. said the statement. VoM Pakistan is consulting all the key a “unified approach” on the future of representatives of the Afghan Tali- stakeholders on the fast-paced dip- Afghanistan, as per the letter writ- com and multiple social media outlets. VoM ban and the Afghan government have lomatic activities. In Tehran, Ambas- ten by US Secretary of State Antony been invited by Russia. Ambassador sador Sadiq briefed Foreign Minister Blinken to President Ashraf Ghani. Sadiq will represent Pakistan, the US Zarif about Pakistan’s efforts to facili- Pakistan, however, had voiced reser- by Zalmay Khalilzad while the Taliban tate the renewed push for peace deal vations over extending invitation to delegation would be led by Mullah in Afghanistan. India for the UN meeting. Islamabad Abdul Ghani Baradar and the Afghan “In the meeting with Pakistan’s spe- is not in favour of giving India any government is likely to be represent- cial envoy on Sunday, Zarif stressed role in peace efforts on the ground ed by Dr Abdullah Abdullah, the head the need to promote regional coop- that New Delhi has only acted as of the Afghan high peace council. eration to help establish peace in Af- “spoiler.” VoM “A high-level delegation of 10 mem- Women empowerment PMSA catches 2 Kashmir Issue Pakistan suggests Global Compact for Shopian encounter, prolongation of Indian Indian fishing oppression in IIOJ&K Women’s Empowerment at UN The increasing trend in killing of than half a dozen houses were raised to ground. boats Kashmir youth and burning of resi- “The Indian occupation forces are used to dam- We hope that the international community would forms of violence against them” is linked intrinsically with KARACHI age and destroy residential houses of Kashmiri rise to the challenge and ensure that half of the their empowerment in the social, political, economic, cul- Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (MPSA) apprehend- dential houses with explosive materials world’s population is never again ‘left behind’ the people and always remain on a killing hunt of tural and legal spheres, he said. - have been termed as tactics of incum- Pakistani envoy added Despite considerable progress since the 1995 Beijing pro-freedom youth in the garb of the so called bers who illegally intruded in Pakistani waters. The bent fascist Indian regime to suppress UNITED NATIONS Conference, Ambassador Akram said that women’s voices the voice of Kashmiris by inflicting on cordon and search operations,” said spokes- ed two Indian fishing boats along with 11 crew mem The President of UN Economic and Social Council, Paki- often continue to be silenced and their participation in them human as well as economic loss man of Jammu and Kashmir National Front, a stan’s Ambassador Munir Akram, proposed a new Global exclusive economic zone of Pakistan during routine sur- public life obstructed, with discrimination and violence Rawalpora constituent of All Parties Hurriyat Conference. Compact for Women’s Empowerment aimed at ensuring veillance, said a press statement issued here on Tuesday. against women remaining pervasive. foreign fishing boats were located in eastern maritime Rawalpora locality of Shopian district of Indian “The Indian forces also destroy properties so women’s meaningful participation and elimination of vio- A number of unwarranted intrusions into Pakistani wa- The serious and persistent obstacles which impede wom- Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) that people face economic problems and are lence against them when the 65th session of Commission - ters had been observed in recent past as PMSA ships, air on the Status of Women (CSW). cupation, terrorism, natural disasters, pandemics, climate was yet another fresh target where Indian oc- left to live under the open sky,” the spokesman crafts and fast boats regularly undertake patrolling and cupation forces, in their continued acts of state added. “The international community, I believe needs a new en’schange, empowerment the feminization include of armedpoverty, conflicts, discrimination foreign and oc monitoring of the country’s Maritime zones. Presence of Global Compact for Women’s Empowerment based on terrorism, martyred two more freedom-loving Meanwhile, when the locals came out on streets violence and the lack of equal access to health, education, - an action plan for mainstreaming women’s participation training and employment. youth and destroyed several residential houses to denounce the violent cordon and search in decision-making in public life and proposing concrete ters given the prevailing environment raises concerns as in the grab of gunfights. operation, killing of youth and destruction of measures to eliminate all forms of violence against women GPSsuch equipment boats might fitted be used vessels for deepany illegitimateinside Pakistani purpose, wa The increasing trend in killing of Kashmir youth houses, they were sprayed with bullets and and girls,” he said at the session being held virtually for the - and burning of residential houses with explo- pellets. According to reports from IIOJK, doz- tinue to intrude in Pakistan’s marine rich Indus Delta sive materials have been termed as tactics of ens of youth (mostly aged between 18 to 22) In this regard, the ECOSOC chief said the agreed recom- the statement said adding that foreign fishermen con incumbent fascist Indian regime to suppress were injured, many critically, in firing of bullets firstmendations time. of the current session should provide concrete - recommendations for framing such a global compact. “We the voice of Kashmiris by inflicting on them and pellets on protesters by Indian troops in region that contains high quality fish. human as well as economic loss. the district. hope that the international community would rise to the Suchstock intrusionsand causing not ecological only affect damage. livelihood of local fisher challenge and ensure that half of the world’s population is The occupation forces had cordoned off the The occupation authorities suspended internet never again ‘left behind’,” the Pakistani envoy added. menPMSA, but after it also initial results investigation, in depletion handed of the over country’s the appre fish- Shopian locality on March 13 to conduct search service in the district to prevent dissemination The theme of the session “Women’s effective participa- operation, which continued for three days dur- of information about the brutalities of Indian tion in decision-making in public life and elimination of all legal formalities. ing which the youth were martyred and more forces in the area. hended fishermen to Docks Police Karachi for further Humanitarian Crisis Global Market Failure to end suffering in Syria, UN envoy expresses Dollar edges up as currency markets wait for Fed meeting ‘profound regret’ to convince the market though,” she said, out coronavirus vaccines. Russian representative defends During the past decade, Syrians have been worse, perishing at sea in search of refuge. Investors will pore over whatever the adding that euro-dollar is likely to remain Germany, France and Italy said on Syrian regime; US ambassador “injured, maimed and killed in every way “They have experienced corruption, mis- Fed has to say about the rise in yields, at current levels until the outcome of the Monday they would suspend AstraZeneca urges Assad to stop ‘delaying and imaginable — their corpses even des- management, sanctions and economic which have gained on bets that eco- meeting is known. COVID-19 shots after several countries distracting’ and release detainees ecrated,” he said. meltdown. Syrian women have faced nomic growth and inflation could The firmer tone for the dollar came as U.S. reported possible serious side-effects, NEW YORK “They have been snatched from the streets, conflict-related sexual violence — from prompt a faster-than-expected nor- Treasury yields edged up, although they but the World Health Organization said Geir Pedersen, the UN’s special envoy for thrown into prisons or abducted, disap- all parties — and a rise in early and forced malization of monetary policy remained below recent peaks. Investors there was no proven link and people Syria, gave a deep sigh on Monday as he peared, mistreated, tortured, paraded marriages.” NEW YORK will pore over whatever the Fed has to should not panic. The Australian dollar began his latest briefing to the Security in cages, and ransomed or exchanged in Meanwhile, he added, the perpetrators A cautious tone dominated currency mar- say about the rise in yields, which have - which is seen as a liquid proxy for risk Council on a conflict he said will be re- prisoner-swap deals. enjoy “near-total impunity,” talks between kets on Tuesday, before the start of the gained on bets that economic growth and - was down 0.4% at 0.77225 versus the membered “as one of the darkest chapters “They have endured the unspeakable hor- the government and the opposition con- U.S. Federal Reserve’s two-day monetary inflation could prompt a faster-than-ex- stronger U.S. dollar in recent history.” rors of chemical weapons. They have seen tinue to stall, and the international com- policy meeting. The Fed’s policymakers pected normalisation of monetary policy. Britain’s pound was down around half a Speaking on the day that marked the 10th foreign fighters flooding into their country,” munity remains “divided, trapped in are expected to forecast that the U.S. “Anything less than a strong message of percent at $1.3835. Economic growth in anniversary of the start of the Civil War, he where five foreign armies are actively in- geopolitical competition, and caught in economy will grow in 2021 at its fastest the Fed being very committed to main- the UK will fall by 4% in the first quarter noted that it has lasted approximately as volved in the conflict, he added. their own competing narratives.” rate in decades, with unemployment fall- taining favourable financial market condi- of 2021 compared with the first quar- long as the First and Second World Wars “They have been displaced into city-sized Pedersen, the fourth envoy tasked with ing and inflation rising, but are not con- tions will likely see USD advance further,” ter of 2020, the governor of the Bank combined — and said that he regrets that camps, or to sleep in the open in olive leading UN efforts to end the Syrian war, sidered likely to change their monetary wrote MUFG FX strategists in a weekly of England said. Japan’s yen was lower the UN has been unable to help end the suf- groves and abandoned houses, only to be took over the role in January 2019. policy. note on Friday. against the U.S. dollar, changing hands fering of the Syrian people. displaced again and again, in baking heat “I express the profound regret of the United The dollar index held steady overnight It has held below $1.20 since March 5, at 109.225. The Bank of Japan’s two-day “Ten years ago, peaceful popular dem- and freezing snow,” the Norwegian envoy Nations that we have not yet been able to then rose as European markets opened, hurt by expectations for a slower eco- policy meeting ends on Friday. The cen- onstrations were violently suppressed,” said. “They have fled Syria, often only to mediate an end to this tragic conflict,” he up 0.1% on the day at 91.946 at 0804 nomic recovery in Europe compared with tral bank’s governor said on Tuesday that Pedersen told council members. “Syria was face further poverty and discrimination, or said on Monday. His three predecessors GMT. “Overall, the economic situation is the UK and U.S. due to problems rolling it was important to keep long-term inter- sent into a spiral of armed conflict. In time made similar statements. improving further. What is decisive for est rates “stably low”. many countries and fighters from across However there are signs of hope, Pedersen the market is how the central banks react Germany’s ZEW survey is due at 1000 the whole world came to Syria to fight in added as he highlighted the fact that Syria to this,” You-Na Park-Heger, FX and EM GMT. There will also be U.S. retail sales one form or another. is enjoying a period of relative calm and analyst at Commerzbank, wrote in a note data at 12.30 GMT and U.S. industrial pro- “It must sometimes feel to ordinary Syrians the front lines have not shifted for a year. to clients. “The Fed is likely to try once duction at 13.15 GMT. that they are all trapped in an endless and He called for this fragile calm to grow into again to dampen expectations of a rever- Elsewhere, Bitcoin fell to around global conflict. (The) Syrian people are a nationwide ceasefire based on Security sal in US monetary policy. We will have to $55,899.22, having dropped from its lat- among the greatest victims of this century.” Council Resolution 2254. wait and see to what extent it will be able est record high of $61,781.83 on Saturday.

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