Soon From LAHORE & KARACHI A sister publication of CENTERLINE & DNA News Agency www.islamabadpost.com.pk ISLAMABAD EDITION

IslamabadWednesday, April 22, 2020 Pakistan’s First And OnlyP DiplomaticO Daily STPrice Rs. 20 Concrete steps Lifting of Virus to hit required to mitigate lockdown not economy of 170 the impact of Covid-19 end of virus countires: IMF Construction industry gets more relief Tax on low cost housing units to be constructed under Naya Pakistan Housing Project has also been made zero rated; Cabinet decides to waive off various taxes on services relating to construction industry tect rights of daily wagers, approved uniform policy Asad Umar said that the Staff Report plumbers, carpenters, de- regarding official residenc- cabinet has also decided to velopers and other stake- es of government employ- public a report relating to ISLAMABAD: Federal holders of this sector. ees, withdrawing all perks power projects in Pakistan. Cabinet has decided to Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan granted under 1991 Order. He said an independent BEIJING: Ambassador Naghmana A. Hashmi receiving donation of medical supplies from Yao Wen, waive off various taxes on said the cabinet also ap- She said now a govern- Commission of Inquiry will Deputy Director General, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lei Minghsan the Chairman of China services relating to con- proved reforms in Com- ment employee can retain be constituted to probe the Three Gorges Corporation and senior officials from Chinese government and corporate sector. – APP struction industry. petition Commission of his official residence six issue pertaining to Inde- Briefing media about deci- Pakistan to ensure effec- months after reaching su- pendent Power Producers sions taken by the cabinet tive implementation of perannuation. within ninety days. in Islamabad on Tuesday, anti-hoarding law and to The Special Assistant said He said any person in- Prime Minister’s Special protect rights of the com- Cabinet also approved volved in irregularities WHO Assistant said five percent mon people. export of Chloroquine to and violation of law will insists Virus to hit 170 tax on various services of The Special Assistant said USA, Saudi Arabia, UK, be taken to task, but those the construction industry approval to reconstitute Italy, Qatar, Turkey and investors, who invested in it hid has been reduced from National Commission for Kazakhstan as Pakistan has the power sector to gener- nothing states GDP: IMF five percent to zero. Minorities was also grant- additional stock of the drug. ate electricity in Pakistan She said the relief in con- ed in the meeting. Later in another media and did not violate any law, GENEVA: The World ISTANBUL: Some 170 sive effects on health and pacity to provide financial struction industry will pro- She said the cabinet also briefing, Planning Minister will be protected. Health Organization in- countries will face narrow- economy, is more complex resources rapidly for its sisted Monday that it ing in their GDP this year and uncertain. members. sounded the alarm on due to the novel coronavi- "The outlook is dire. We After originating in Wu- the novel coronavirus rus' impact on the econo- expect global economic ac- han, China last December, Briefs right from the very start my, the directing manager tivity to decline on a scale COVID-19 has spread to Qureshi thanks and had hidden nothing of the International Mone- we have not seen since the at least 185 countries and from Washington about tary Fund (IMF) said late Great Depression," Geor- regions worldwide, with Faisal the deadly pandemic. Monday. gieva highlighted. Europe and the U.S. the UAE government WHO chief Tedros "Only months ago we were Referring to countries' ac- worst-hit regions. Adhanom Ghebreyesus projecting 160 economies tions to tackle the virus, There are more than Edhi tests part about the latest situa- said there were no se- to register positive per the IMF chief said: "Fis- 2.47 million cases world- positive DNA tion of the outbreak in Pa- crets at the UN agency capita income growth," cal measures so far have wide and nearly 170,400 kistan and the steps being after being blasted by Kristalina Georgieva amounted to about $8 deaths. Over 652,000 ISLAMABAD: Foreign taken by the Government the United States for stressed. trillion and central banks have recovered from the Minister Makhdoom for its containment. DNA allegedly downplaying The pandemic is a “crisis have undertaken massive virus, according to data Shah Mahmood Qureshi He also informed him of the initial COVID-19 out- like no other," she stressed, liquidity injections." compiled by U.S.-based held a telephonic conver- the efforts being made by break in China. noting that the global cri- She added that the IMF Johns Hopkins University. ISLAMABDA: Faisal sation with the Foreign the government for repa- “We have been warning sis, which caused succes- maximized its lending ca- – APP Edhi, the head of one Minister of the United triation of the stranded from day one that this of Pakistan’s largest Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistanis from UAE to is a devil that everyone charity groups, the His Highness Sheikh Ab- Pakistan. should fight,” Tedros Edhi Foundation, has dullah Bin Zayed Al Nahy- Pakistan. While exchang- The Foreign Minister told a virtual briefing in Virus cases tested positive for an, today. ing views on the global briefed Foreign Minister Geneva. – Agencies Pakistan Stock coronavirus, reported The Foreign Minister outbreak of Covid-19, the Abdullah about Prime soar to Geo News on Tuesday. thanked the UAE gov- two Foreign Ministers Minister Imran Khan’s Exchange plunges Edhi is in Islamabad at ernment for its support agreed on the importance call for a ‘Global Initiative 9,216 the moment and had to Pakistan in combating of enhanced bilateral co- for Debt Relief,’ under- working day and closed at insisted on being test- covid-19 as well as for operation to jointly ad- scoring the need to ena- Doctors DNA 32,832. The confidence ed since he had been releasing 400 Pakistani dress the challenges. ble developing countries was prevailed among the Staff Report on the ground working prisoners, and their sub- Foreign Minister Qureshi to save precious lives and at risk KARACHI: Pakistan Stock investors as the State with patients. sequent repatriation to apprised his UAE counter- shore up economies. Exchange (PSX) on Tues- Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on ISLAMABAD: The num- day witnessed bearish Thursday further slashed ber of confirmed corona- Rupee value DNA trend as KSE-100 index its key interest rate by two virus cases in the country jumps lost 1146 points. The per cent (200 basis points) has soared to 9,216. ‘Modi Govt has deprived ISLAMABAD: The benchmark KSE-100 index to nine per cent in wake of According to National Com- ISLAMABAD: The Pa- number of coronavirus closed at 32,353 points the worsening outlook for mand and Operation Centre, kistani currency con- Kashmiris of amenities’ cases have increased with a negative change of global and domestic eco- 4,195 cases have so far been tinued bullish trend with each passing day 1146 points. nomic activity due to the detected in Punjab, 2,764 on Tuesday and gained Taking to Twitter, the under an inhumane politi- in Pakistan. The Pakistan Stock Ex- coronavirus pandemic. in Sindh, 1,276 in Khyber Rs 2.37 in the inter- DNA prime minister said: co-military lockdown con- Due to the unavaila- change (PSX) on Friday Over the past one month, Pakhtunkhwa, 465 in Ba- bank against US dollar “Demonstrations in vari- tinuing for over 8 months bility of the personal saw a return of the bulls the central bank’s key inter- lochistan, 281 in Gilgit-Bal- to close at Rs 161.12 ISLAMABAD: Prime Min- ous parts of the world are now without any provision protective equipment, as the benchmark KSE- est rate has seen a cumula- tistan, 185 in Islamabad against the last closing ister Imran Khan said on now going on against lock- of medical, financial, com- doctors are at high risk 100 Index gained over tive reduction of 4.25 per Capital Territory and 50 in of Rs 163.49. However, Tuesday the international downs during a pandemic munication or food assis- of getting infected by 1400 points. Since trading cent. Meanwhile, US crude Azad Kashmir. The Center according to Forex As- community can now un- – despite provision of med- tance,” he added. the patients they are resumed at 11:55 am, the prices bounced back into said that 2,066 patients sociation of Pakistan, derstand the suffering of ical, financial, communica- The prime minister said treating. market has continued to positive territory Tuesday, have so far recovered while the buying and selling the people of India-occu- tion and food assistance.” the “racist Hindutva Su- The Young Doctors As- increase its gains. The a day after crashing below the death toll from the virus rates of Dollar in open pied Jammu and Kashmir “Perhaps now interna- premacist Modi Govt” has, sociation said that non benchmark index also $0.00 for the first time ow- stands at 192 with 16 new market were recorded (IOJ&K) in the wake of tional community can un- in fact, ensured that the availability of protec- touched the level of 33,000 ing to crippled demand and deaths reported during the at Rs 161 and Rs 163 demonstrations in various derstand the suffering of Kashmiris are deprived of tive gear puts them in points during the trading. a storage glut, while the last twenty four hours. 796 respectively. – APP parts of the world against Kashmiris in IOJK as they all basic amenities during mental stress. The KSE-100 index gained commodity rout sent Asian new cases were reported coronavirus lockdowns. suffer brutal oppression the lockdown. 1498 points on the last equities sharply lower. during the last 24 hours. Inside... AIOU gets 10 acres State land China to consult poor borrowers on debt standstill to set up Study So far, China has donated $20 million dollars to the World Health Organization (WHO); designated Center $10 million dollars under the China Poverty Reduction and Regional Cooperation Fund in ADB – Page 02 of Debt Service Suspension In- idemic, and provide efficient itors and debtors should be in the initiative through corre- provided support to the inter- Euro-Asian Staff Report itiative for Poorest at the G20 and provisional support distinct equally respected based on the sponding ways. national community through structural Finance Ministers and Cen- from traditional rescheduling. basic conditions of the coun- At the G20 Finance Ministers multilateral and bilateral plat- reforms against BEIJING: Chinese Ministry tral Bank Governors Meeting. It emphasized abidance by the tries involved so as to avoid and Central Bank Governors forms. COVID-19 of Finance that China will car- Many countries have echoed rules. As international financ- moral hazard. Meeting on April 15, all parties So far, China has donated $20 ry out specific work through such a proposition presented ing is a market behavior that It welcomes efforts to promote applauded the impact of the in- million dollars to the World – Page 03 bilateral consultations at the as follows: complies with certain rules, the development of the poorest itiative in alleviating short-term Health Organization (WHO); Turkish request of relevant poor bor- The proposition suggests a debt suspension should also countries. Through economic liquidity difficulties of the poor- designated $10 million dollars rowers in accordance with the Presidency to closely coordinated approach conform with the rule of law, growth, the borrowers’ debt est countries and centralizing under the China Poverty Re- G20 Debt Service Suspension be adopted by multilateral, the rational spirit of contract, burden can be alleviated, and resources to counter the COV- duction and Regional Cooper- organize concert Initiative. bilateral creditors and official and be consistent with interna- the financing capacity in the ID-19 epidemic. ation Fund in ADB exclusively on 23rd China Economic Net (CEN) and private creditors when im- tional practice. international market safeguard- To ensure effective implemen- for regional projects to fight quoting a Ministry’ s official plementing the debt service That will help maintain the or- ed, and hence attain sustaina- tation of the initiative, China against the pandemic, etc. Pak-Iran stated that China has put for- suspension for least developed der of the international finan- ble development. calls on multilateral and private And China will continue to pro- committed to ward a systematic proposition countries. cial market. With the efforts of China, all creditors to take appropriate vide assistance within its ca- strengthen on the debt service suspen- It advocates relevant parties re- It appeals to the balance of in- parties eventually reached a actions as soon as possible pacity to developing countries cooperation sion based on the consensus spond promptly to the request terests. When implementing consensus on the participation to help the poorest countries under the framework of South- reached by G20 leaders when of the poorest countries in their the debt service suspension of multilateral, bilateral official overcome the difficulties. South cooperation, CEN’s re- – Back Page participating in the discussion battle against the COVID-19 ep- initiative, the concerns of cred- creditors and private creditors Meanwhile, China has actively port added. IslamabadPOST 02

METROLITEWednesday, April 22, 2020 Briefs

Violation of lockdown in capital’s market

ISLAMABAD: De- spite sharp increase in the number of coronavirus cases in the country, huge rush of people was witnessed at differ- ent markets of the federal capital. The people are vio- lating the lockdown and same violation is being done by the shopkeepers as there is no proper measures for social distancing. Similarly motorists was witnessed on various roads of the twin cities of Rawal- pindi and Islamabad in violation of lock- down imposed by the administration to control spread of the COVID-19. LALAMUSA: Vendors selling vegitables in Lalamusa Sabzi Mandi. – Khurshid Nadeem The Islamabad Cap- ital Territory (ICT) Administration and the Punjab gov- CM for action ernment imposed AIOU gets 10 acres State land against lockdown on March 23 in the wake of hoarders spread of coronavi- to set up Study Center PESHAWAR: Khyber Pa- rus to restrict peo- ple to their homes provincial government. The Centre was inaugurat- Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zia exploring further avenues These offices and centers khtunkwa Chief Minister and also asked peo- Saifullah Ansar The land is situated in the ed on temporary basis in Ul-Qayyum while he was of strengthening educa- have been empowered to Mahood Khan on Tuesday ple not to come out premises of Municipal July last year by the Vice on a tour to Baluchistan for tional network in the prov- provide best possible ser- directed district adminis- of their homes un- ISLAMABAD: Allama Committee, Kharan. It ince. The Study Centre is vice to its around 1.4 mil- tration to take strict action necessarily. – APP Iqbal Open University will enable the University a part of the Allama Iqbal lion students across the against hoarders and prof- (AIOU) has been allotted to establish the Center in Open University’s consist- country. iteers across the province. 10 acres State land in Bal- its own building. ent efforts to upgrade the It may be mentioned here He issued these directive Romeo uchistan to set up a Model Earlier, the Study Centre educational facilities par- that the University was during video-link confer- Study Center at Kharan was set up in a house do- ticularly in the country’s providing free Matric-level ence with commissioners, Weds Heer to meet the educational nated by the Chief Justice far-flung regions. education to the students deputy commissioners, re- needs of the local people. of Federal Shariat Court On the instructions of from Baluchistan, besides gional police officers and Heads According to the Univer- (FSC), honourable Justice the Vice Chancellor, the other financial support MPAs of all districts. sity’s Director Region- Muhammad Noor Meskan- number of regional offic- under its various scholar- “I also impressed upon the al Services Inamullah zai, who wanted to expand es and the study centers ships’ schemes. admin that hoarders and profiteers should not be Fiaz Chaudhry Sheikh, the Board of the educational facilities is being increased to It was also the part of the Revenue, Baluchistan in the province. He had bring the education at University’s policy taking spared especially during the upcoming Ramazan. I ISLAMABAD: The 2018 leased out the land to the appreciated the AIOU’s the door-step of the peo- care of marginalized sec- will monitor the situation rom-com hit Romeo University free of cost, distance learning system ple, particularly for those tions as well as less-devel- regularly”, chief minister Weds Heer, is now avail- with the approval of the to achieve the objective. living in remote areas. oped regions. said in a Tweet. able for viewers on Am- The chief minister ap- azon Prime. preciated the efforts and Produced by the dynam- timely steps taken by dis- ic duo Abdullah Kad- 4500 kites Chinese entrepreneur trict administration and all wani and Asad Qureshi, Sherry Asks if govt stakeholders in the fight the drama serial man- confiscated distributes ration against COVID-19. aged to break records has applied for – APP because he could not afford ilar food packets for other with its ratings and be- to send them to schools needy people also. She re- came a chart-buster dur- Debt Relaxation? DNA Munir Faisal because of want of finan- solved to continue this hu- PR upgrades ing the time of its airing tions for debt relief. It is ISLAMABAD: MS TANG cial resources. Ms. Tang’s manitarian gesture for the on Geo Entertainment. 620 coaches Mahnoor Ansar important to point out that ATTOCK: Police con- TIANRU a businesswomen company has arranged sim- needy people of Pakistan. Penned down by Mu- only those countries could ducted an operation and and head of Chinese com- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hammad Younis Butt ISLAMABAD: Parliamen- avail debt relief that had confiscated 4500 kites, pany working in Pakistan Railways has upgraded and directed by Anjum tary Leader in Senate, made official requests to strings rolls and material has dispatched ration packs around 620 coaches from Shehzad, this 7th Sky Senator Sherry Rehman, the G-20. In Pakistan's case, used for kite flying be- for a needy family living in its own resources to in- Entertainment Produc- questioned the Federal this never happened", the sides rounded up a kite the outskirts of Islamabad. crease revenue of the de- tion united the Khaani government for spreading Senator added. sellers here on Tuesday. Ms. Tang staff delivered partment and facilitate its famed duo Feroze Khan misinformation and not ap- "When no official request According to police rations bags and other nec- passengers during the last and Sana Javed. plying for the G20 debt re- was made to the G-20 na- spokesman, Attock Police essary household items to three years. The story revolved lief programme. She ques- tions for debt relief, then while acting on a tip off the family of Babar Masih, Giving year wise breakup around the two love- tioned, "Why has Pakistan why was misleading news raided and confiscated father of five children. of the upgraded coaches, birds as they faced life, failed to formally ask G-20 circulating in the media 4500 kites, 141 strings The same Chinese compa- the official in the Minis- love, and some hilarious for debt relief? It is alarm- that Pakistan would secure rolls and material used ny had earlier helped Babar try of Railways told APP set-backs with their she- ing that the Federal gov- $12 billion worth of relief? for kite flying besides ar- send his children to school that 168 coaches were up- nanigans. ernment was misleading This will not only cause rested a kite seller iden- graded in 2016-17, 192 in The story was a breath the public, especially dur- chaos and confusion inside tified as Akhbar Khan, 2017-18 and 260 coaches of fresh air with a ing these testing times.” Pakistan but is also embar- Mehmood ul Hussein and in 2018-19. light-hearted storyline Contrary to claims made rassing in the eyes of the Zain ul Abdin. Police distribute rations among needy Regarding the availability and funny interactions by Federal government international community", Separate cases have been for one month was distrib- He said that contributions of coaches, he said that at that kept the audiences about securing a substan- the Senator questioned. registered against all the uted among the families. were made from the officials present around 472 coach- hooked and garnered Munir Faisal tial debt relief, the Inter- accused and started fur- District Police Officer ofdistrict police through Po- es were out of service critical acclaim for the national Monetary Fund ther investigation. ATTOCK: District Police (DPO) Khalid Hamdani lice Relief Fund for Corona- or non-functional, which serial as well. (IMF) resident represent- The spokesman said, dis- Officer (DPO) Khalid Ham- said that applications were virus. Hamdani said Attock needed heavy or light re- ative, Teresa Sanchez, trict police on the spe- dani said on Tuesday that invited from the poor peo- police were well aware of pair. Giving detail about IRSA’s DWP said that Islamabad has cial directive of District police distributed food ple especially daily wagers its social responsibilities of the repair, the official said not made an official re- Police Officer (DPO), items to 452 deserving fam- from across the district helping the poor affected that 39 coaches of Paki- meeting quest to G20 countries for Khalid Hamdani conduct- ilies of the district through who were effected through citizens during lock down stan Railways under sur- payment relaxation. ing raids and netting kite contribution from cops in lockdown, 452 families therefore all force filled with vey of condemnations be- held "Pakistan should have of- sellers and kite flying ban Police Relief Fund for Coro- were selected and provid- spirit of public service had ing over-aged and beyond ficially requested G-20 na- violators. navirus.which food items ed free food for one month. taken active role. economical repair. – APP ISLAMABAD: The meeting of Develop- ment Working Party (DWP) of Indus River System Authority will be held on April 30 for Prevention best strategy to tackle virus: experts the consideration and approval of PC-1 for in- The experts and practitioners from the health sector shared this views with the audience at online policy stalling telemetry sys- tem at seven key sites. dialogue titled ‘COVID -19 Pandemic: Challenges of Health care system of Pakistan’ organized by the Earlier, the meeting Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Monday was scheduled to be held here on Tuesday. The experts and practitioners from the forefront of the pandemic are lack- of the short of staff. paredness should be a key leering of However, now the Staff Report the health sector shared this views ing the personal protective equipment. He said that the extraordinary situa- the crisis and challenge we are facing meeting has been re- with the audience at online policy di- The health workers are working in tion demands extraordinary measure today. scheduled for April 30, ISLAMABAD: The prevention is the alogue titled ‘COVID -19 Pandemic: double shifts and are highly vulnerable and thus human exposure must be Dr Sundas Younis, PIMS Islamabad sources told APP here. key to deal with the global healthcare Challenges of Health care system of to the disease. minimized at every level. and Dr Faraz from Multan also shared The meeting was con- crisis effectively. Pakistan’ organized by the Sustainable She said that it’s unfortunate that so- He says religious communities includ- the situation of the respective cities vened to accord ap- The existing healthcare structures, Development Policy Institute (SDPI) cial distancing is being violated and ing Muslim prayer leaders in U.A. are and highlighted the importance of proval to PC1 of the especially in the developing countries here on Monday. religious congregations are being al- fully cooperating with the authorities effective social distancing to stop the telemetry system for like Pakistan cannot bear the burden The representatives from healthcare lowed that could be a receipt of the to ensure social distancing. spread of the pandemic. ensuring water distribu- of the influx of infected patients of departments, NGOs and supply chain huge disaster. Ms Sadiya Razzaq, health sector ex- Dr Hina Aslam, SDPI, earlier present- tion among the provinc- coronavirus beyond a certain limit and markets attended the dialogue. Dr Majid Shafiq, from Harvard pert, said that the healthcare services ed an outlook of healthcare sector in es in transparent man- hence, prevention must be considered Dr Samreen Sarfraz, representing Medical School USA, said that in Pakistan were insufficient even in Pakistan in terms of capacity to deal ner, they said. – APP as a most crucial priority for fighting Indus Hospital Karachi, said that the even the hospitals in the developed the pre-Covid-19 situation. with the crisis and the issues being the global pandemic. healthcare professionals that are at countries are facing the situation She said that besides prevention, pre- faced by the health workers. Wednesday, April 22, 2020 03 IslamabadPOST Pakistan’s First And Only Diplomatic Daily Circular debt Editor-in-Chief: Ansar Mahmood Bhatti Poor signals Deputy Editor: Abid Raza NCE again, the inefficiency of our power sector has come to light HE Higher Education Commission has quickly switched to online in a recent report on power-sector audit. Earlier, a disagreement Vol: 01 Issue: 27 learning for the millions of students enrolled at private and pub- between two major stakeholders in the power sector had hit news- lic-sector universities around the country. O Email: T paper headlines. The two stakeholders are the power division and the [email protected] On paper, this seems like a sensible plan given the Covid-19 pandemic regulator, who disagreed over the size of circular debt and the rate of its Phone: 051-2266165 / 051-2261960 and the havoc it has caused around the world, forcing places of work, monthly growth. Off: Awan Plaza, Block 18-A, G-8 Markaz Islamabad universities, colleges and businesses to shut down. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) disputes the data However, it has become obvious during the first month or so of the online presented and used by the power division which showed a drop in the circu- system going into effect that a very large number of students are simply lar debt. Though some attempts have been made to reconcile the data, there not able to keep up with classes. has not been much success in this matter. These include the many who have no access to high-speed internet, those The power division and Nepra both have been insisting that their data should who live in areas of the country including parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa be accepted as accurate and validated by third parties. These parties include and Balochistan where wi-fi services are virtually non-existent and also international financial institutions (IFIs) such as the IMF and World Bank. the many who suffer from the periodic power shutdowns that have al - There have also been some reports about certain mafias within the pow- ready begun with the arrival of the first signs of summer. er companies that report incorrect numbers to Nepra because the power Students have complained that when power disappears at random inter - division allegedly puts pressure on them to check power theft to improve vals, they are forced to switch to their mobile phones and data services, recoveries. sometimes ripping through thousands of rupees within an hour. There have also been questions regarding the mandate of the power reg- It should be noted that like their peers in urban centres who are better ulator over the circular debt. Now, the latest report has disclosed that the equipped for online learning, these students are expected to pay full fees country has sustained over 4.8 trillion rupees in losses due to circular debt for their semesters. in the past 13 years. These losses have been ascribed to the power sector’s HEC Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri has said that his organisation is attempt - inefficiencies which caused an annual loss of Rs370 billion. This report was ing to find solutions but has suggested that pupils who cannot manage prepared by a nine-member committee on power-sector audit. It deals with with the online learning simply drop their semester. circular debt and also suggests a way forward. This of course would set them back by huge steps in their process of This calls for a major overhaul of the entire power sector. First we also need learning and delay them from obtaining the degrees they need to move to take care of the high cost of generation that is reportedly highest in the on with lives. region. Second, both distribution and transmission mechanisms need to be We need a less callous approach. Not every student in the country has the fixed, as this has long been delayed by successive governments in the past 20 same facilities, and there are many who do not own laptops or computers. years resulting in huge losses to the exchequer. Without university computer labs, they cannot be expected to deal with All governments have tried to control or sustain the circular debt without lessons and then exams from their underdeveloped home areas. addressing the fundamentals of high generation costs and distribution. A ma- This has also exposed development in the country and the dichotomy jor hurdle in this overhaul are the DISCOs themselves that resist any major within it. And it is not a problem restricted to Pakistan. Students are also changes in the system. deprived of the facilities and opportunities that come with study on an Then there are fiscal and regulatory problems that have beset the system for organised, well-equipped campus. long. It is about time the government took this matter seriously and, rather The problem is an enormous one. Educators fear it could spill over be - than making some cosmetic changes, got to the root of the problem and rec- yond the summer break and at least for Pakistani students we hope the tified it. We have seen many reports in the past gathering dust without being HEC will find some means to allow them to continue their education implemented. Let’s hope that this time around the present government goes even when they are not equipped with the same level of technology as beyond circular debt management to some substantive changes. their peers

Euro-Asian structural reforms against COVID-19 zakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan have been using to the unemployed i.e. $95 per month per person, a technical infrastructure, date quality and coding Dr Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan and implementing as “balancing act” to delay surg- 10 percent increase in pension and social benefits, improvement, birth and death system, clinical in- es of patients, maintaining easy and smooth supply and additional spending to strengthen the health sec- formation system, surveillance system and regis- chains of medical staff, stuff, hospital beds and last tor e.g. wage increase, procurement of medical equip- tries, routine health information system, human but not least safeguarding the most “vulnerable” ment and support employment and business. and organizational development and last but not segment of societies from infectious disease of COV- Subsidized lending will be provided under the state least data analysis and presentations. ID-19 in their respective social setups. program “Economy of Simple Things”, KZT 1 tril- 4. Institutionalization of “e-health” system” should Western media also tried to maneuver issue of lion, along with coordinated measures to help small be implemented immediately. transparency of data, state response and coordinat- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) finance their 5. Greater political integration and socio-economic ed efforts of all the regional countries as slow and working capital KZT 600 billion. An additional KZT connectivity is the need of the hour to cope and weak. On the contrary, Euro-Asian policy measures 1.8 trillion will be allocated to support employment neutralize the bad effects of COVID-19 in Central and structural reforms were based on their “nation under an “Employment Roadmap” program. SMEs Asian and South Caucasus countries mainly Azer- risk assessment” due to which these were “real”, and individual entrepreneurs are also eligible for new baijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan. “gradual” and “systematic” in their nature and im- tax incentives. 6. Waiving of trade barriers may provide push-for- Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, plementation. Strategic “political wisdom” and uni- The central government of Russia increased com- ward missing link for achieving greater regional ty of “command” of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia pensation for medical staff as well as for health and connectivity among the regional countries. Russia and Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan paved the way towards sustainable safety inspectors up to 3-4 times, individuals under 7. Solid mechanism of humanitarian assistance have announced and socio-economic policies and their timely implemen- quarantine to receive sick leave benefits, interest rate among the regional countries. In this regard, tations during ongoing mega human health crisis of subsidies for SMEs; all children up to 3 years of age Azerbaijan has already dispatched humanitarian implemented various COVID-19. in families eligible for maternity capital to receive an assistance to many regional countries. Uzbeki- “interconnected holistic Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan have additional lumpsum benefit for 3 months, starting in stan pledged humanitarian assistance to Afghan- announced and implemented various “interconnected April, and all families with children to get an addition- istan and Belarus, Russia extended financial policies” to combat density holistic policies” to combat density of dangerous and al lumpsum benefit for each child if parents lose jobs, assistance as well as medical facilities to many of dangerous and infectious infectious disease of COVID-19 which has drastically sick leave pay to equal at least the minimum wage regional countries and international communi- changed the cycles of life, processes of human sur- until the end of 2020, tax deferrals for most affected ties. Last but not least, Kazakhstan provided nec- disease of COVID-19 which vival and production channels of this planet. These companies on most taxes excluding VAT and social essary humanitarian assistance to Tajikistan and has drastically changed the countries followed their own “models” and “modules” contributions, deferrals on social contributions for Kyrgyzstan Republic. to minimize the “collateral damages” of COVID-19 in SMEs in affected sectors for 6 months, social contri- 8. Institutionalization of Free Trade Agreements cycles of life, processes their societies and economies alike. butions by SMEs on wages in excess of the minimum (FTAs) among all the regional countries. of human survival and Government’s spending on public health (AzN 8.3 wage permanently reduced from 30 to 15 percent, 9. Formation of a Regional Health Bank which can million) has been increased and created a CV Re- zero import duties for pharmaceuticals and medical provide necessary financial loans to any needy production channels of this sponse Fund, to which it has transferred AzN 20 supplies and equipment and guaranteed loans to regional country in the time of national crisis planet. These countries million manat, with additional contributions from the SMEs and affected industries. relating to health pandemic in the days to come. public and private sectors. They have also announced The government of Uzbekistan allocated substantial 10. Creation of Regional Health Fund for health edu- followed their own “models” support to the affected businesses in the amount of funds for its national health system which has now cational university, production, infection preven- and “modules” to minimize AzN 2.5 billion (3 percent of GDP). Azerbaijan’s gov- tremendously, improved its country-wide health infra- tive and control mechanism in the days to come. ernment has provided $5 million to the COVID-19 structure. A special salary supplement for medical 11. Subject of Health Security should be included at the “collateral damages” of Fund as part of the WHO’s Strategic Preparedness employees, increase the number of low-income fami- every level of learning in all the regional coun- COVID-19 in their societies and Response Plan. lies receiving social benefits, provide assistance to tries. The CBA did not change the refinancing rate”. State affected businesses via interest subsidies, finance 12. Formation of a supra health committee consist- and economies alike guaranteed public deposits until December 4, 2020. public works in different regions to improve infra- ing of all the regional countries for a befitting The guarantee covered all manat (foreign currency) structure and support employment. response to all kinds of diseases in the days to ESPITE, Western propaganda as responsible deposits within a 10 (2) percent interest rate cap. The The government also announced the temporary re- come. members states of the international commu- CBA, with the participation of the State Oil Fund, has duction of social contributions for individual entre- 13. Constant sharing of information relating to social D nity, all the Central Asian and South Cauca- conducted scheduled and extraordinary foreign ex- preneurs, postponing surcharges on tourism, prop- indicators including health facilities should be sus countries especially, Azerbaijan have established change auctions, and has satisfied all demands for erty tax, and land tax, extending the moratorium on mantra of all the regional countries. close and active contacts with The United Nations foreign currency at the announced 1.7 AzN/US$ rate. tax audits, and delaying tax declarations for 2019 in- 14. Systemic persuasions to Kazakhstan’s initiative (UN), its specialized bodies, organizations and agen- Kazakhstan President Tokayev announced a signifi- come taxes until August 2020. The government also Russia-US-China-EU dialogue” may be started as cies, and, above all, with the World Health Organiza- cant anti-crisis package of $13 billion or 9 percent of instructed local governments to reduce taxes by 30 soon as possible. Because it can play crucial role tion, since the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) in GDP) in late March. percent and provide a 6-month grace period on paying in tackling global pandemics. titled “When we are their respective countries. Various supportive measures have been taken includ- property tax. united -we are invincible”. All regional countries mainly Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, ing some trade restrictions and regulated prices for 1. There is an urgent need to pursue and imple- 15. Coordinated efforts towards optimal utilization Russia and Uzbekistan have initiated diversified but socially important goods, cash transfers to vulnerable ment Turkic Health Vision 2040. of all the regional organizations including SCO, integrated policy measures to prevent the wide-spread households, access to medical care by uninsured from 2. Implementation of Baku 2020 Declaration in its Euro-Asian Economic Union and Turkic Speak- of covid-19. A variety of restrictive measures have been April 1 to July 2, and targeted assistance to affected true letters and spirits. ing States etc. taken in accordance with the prevailing international sectors of the national economy mainly construction, 3. Overhauling of prevailing national system is 16. Formation of smarter and innovated health sys- conditions and standards. Ideal combination of “con- agriculture, agriculture and services. the need of the hour including re-organization tems based on advanced artificial intelligence tainment & mitigation” Policies of Azerbaijan, Ka- The biggest bail-out package included cash payments of patient administration system, appropriate technologies in all the regional countries. Contagion COVIDF 19 can spread like fire S cases of COVID-19 proliferate, there environment, deeply embedded in our brain is is more robust in animals including human be - Dr. Aamir Hanif is a pandemic of fear spreading at the an area called Amygdala is a key to responding ings trying to protect their genes from vanish - A same time and at a much foster pace. to threats. It detects stimuli associated with ing. Due to easy reach of media, fear contagion danger. Oncethe fear alarm is triggered it is very hard spreads like a fire. After receiving the dangerous signals, it passes to control as there is hardly any time to verify Watching someone close to you fearing about the signals to other parts of the brain, includ - the source of terror and this can result in mass something will activate automatic fear in you ing hypothalamus and brain stem area to coor - tragedies. without even knowing the cause of the fear. dinate a specific defense response. Although, it is difficult to prevent fear reaction Mass media coverage on Covid-19 spreading The responses are in the form of fright, freeze, among humansespecially when modern world and people suffering and dying only add to flight or fight. 24 hours media keeps feeding the frightening their misery and push an automatic panic but - Human beings are exquisitely tuned to other and horrible display of images and videos on ton, leads to unbearable mental stress, anxiety, people’s survival reactions and one person pan - their screens. hoarding food stuff unnecessarily. icked, can spread this fear to other member of However there are ways to mitigate this re - Studies show that social Animal studies show that fear contagion sparks the community, triggering the same or even action. Since it is a social phenomenon many transformation of fear is in animalse.g a herd of antelopes sense a stalk - worse fear reaction. rules that govern social behavior apply. ing lion suddenly freeze, then quickly sets off Experiments have shown another area in the For example, fear can be mitigated in the pres - more robust in animals the alarm call and runs away from the predator brain called “Anterior Cingulate Cortex” plays ence of calm and confident leader who can, with including human beings and suddenly other antelopes follow. a vital role in this behavior response. hisbehavior give confidence, sense of responsi - Same fear phenomenon operates in human be - It senses danger signals and passes on to Amyg - bility, courage and practical measures to adapt trying to protect their ings. dala where the defense response is set off. a comprehensive approach towards the fearful genes from vanishing Our brain is hardwired to respond to threats in Studies show that social transformation of fear stimulus. Islamabad WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 | P WWW.ISLAMABADPOST.COM.PKOST Turkish Presidency to organize concert on 23rd In the concert to be broadcast on the YouTube channel of the Directorate of Communications, a call for love and unity will be made to the whole world from the skies of Istanbul.

to the whole world with ‘Symphony of Human- ace and the qanun player A.M.Bhatti the performances of our ity’, in the Bosporus. Serkan Mesut Halili will valuable artists at seven Harpist Şirin Pancaroglu perform “Şehnaz Longa” ISLAMABAD: The Pres- different locations in Is- and vocal artist Bora Uy- (Santuri Ethem Bey) at idency of the Republic tanbul during this tough maz will perform Yunus Pierre Loti Hill. of Turkey will organize a period due to the Cov - Emre’s cantus “Ben During the concert, ISLAMABAD: Justice Mr. Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB chairing Executive Board Meeting of NA at NAB concert with the slogan id-19 pandemic. Yürürem Yane Yane” at which will be held with Headquarters.– DNA “From 7 hills to 7 conti - In addition to provid- the Maiden’s Tower. wonderful scenes of nents” on April 23, Na- ing medical supplies to Ney performer Yavuz Istanbul in the back- NAB to tional Sovereignty and many countries battling Akalin will perform ground, works from Children’s Day. the pandemic, the Pres- “Segah Pesrev” (Yusuf both Classical Turkish probe sugar, In the concert to be idency will emphasize Pasha) at Hagia So- Music and Classical wheat crisis Trump to suspend broadcast on the You- the awareness of unity phia, lute player Murat Western Music will be Tube channel of the and integrity by bring- Bagdatli will perform performed, while the Directorate of Commu- ing hearts together in “Kürdilihicazkar Longa” music will be accom- immigration to US taff eport nications, a call for love Istanbul, where the con- (Kemani Sebuh) at Top- panied by messages of S R and unity will be made to tinents meet. kapi Palace, flute artist love and unity belonging NEW YORK: President to seal the country off immigration system in the ISLAMABAD: National the whole world from the Our pianist Idil Biret, Elif Yurdakul Baykurt to important thinkers of Donald Trump tweeted from the rest of the world. same way the president Accountability Bureau skies of Istanbul. one of the world’s lead- will perform “Syrinx” the Eastern and West- late Monday night that he A formal order temporari- has long advocated closing (NAB) Chairman Justice In the concert, which ing performers of the (Claude Debussy) at Gal- ern world ranging from was suspending immigra- ly barring the provision of the borders to illegal im- (retd) Javed Iqbal on Tues- will start with Yunus 9th Symphony of Ludwig ata Tower, tanbur player Yunus Emre, Mevlana, tion into the United States new green cards and work migration. day gave the green signal Emre’s words, “The van Beethoven’s piano Özer Özel and kemancha Haci Bektaş-i Veli and because of the coronavi- visas could come as early It was not immediately to start an investigation world is my true ration, compositions made by player Aslihan Özel will Pir Sultan Abdal to Im - rus pandemic. as the next few days, ac- clear what legal basis into the wheat and sugar and its people are my Franz Liszt, will perform perform “Nihavend Saz manuel Kant, Thomas “In light of the attack from cording to The New York Trump would claim to jus- scandal. According to a nation”, a message of this immortal work of Semai” (Mesut Cemil Aquinas, and Alphonse the Invisible Enemy, as Times, citing "several tify shutting down most statement, the approval solidarity will be given art, also known as the Bey) at Dolmabahçe Pal- de Lamartine. well as the need to protect people familiar with the immigration. was given by the NAB the jobs of our GREAT plan." Workers who have for chairman in a meeting of American Citizens,” Under such an executive years received visas to the executive board held Trump wrote on Twitter, order, the Trump admin- perform specialized jobs in Islamabad today. “I will be signing an Exec- istration would no longer in the United States would Council of Europe doesn’t recognize “NAB will thoroughly inves- utive Order to temporarily approve any applications also be denied permission tigate the scandal worth bil- suspend immigration into from foreigners to live and to arrive, though some elections in Nagorno-Karabakh lions of rupees. Smuggling, the United States!” work in the United States workers in some indus- doesn’t recognize the so-called “elec- position of the Council of Europe an increase of prices and The president’s announce- for an undetermined pe- tries deemed critical could wheat and sugar subsidies DNA tions” held in the Nagorno-Karabakh that any elections held in contra- ment signals his most riod of time, effectively be exempted from the ban, region of Azerbaijan. diction or outside of the consti- will also be investigated,” wide-ranging attempt yet shutting down the legal the Times said. – APP the statement said. BAKU: The Council of Europe The Council of Europe has, on nu- tutional order of a member state The statement added that doesn’t recognize the so-called “elec- merous occasions, reiterated its full have no legal effects and should the executive board also tions” held in the Nagorno-Karabakh commitment to the respect of the not be recognized/considered as gave the approval to close region of Azerbaijan. principle of territorial integrity and such. The same holds concerning the inquiry against former World must act to Responding to the question of the sovereignty of all its member states, the recent so-called elections held attorney general Malik Paris-based correspondent of the “Re- including Azerbaijan, as outlined in in Nagorno-Karabakh. Qayyum due to a lack of port” Agency, the Directorate of Com- relevant decisions and documents The Council of Europe fully sup- avert food crisis: UN evidence along with the munications of the Council of Europe of the Committee of Ministers and ports the efforts of the OSCE closure of inquiry against ISTANBUL: Countries diate action can support or to buy inputs, such stated that the Council of Europe the Parliamentary Assembly. Minsk Group Co-chairs for the It is the principled and well-known peaceful settlement of the conflict. the officers and staff of the should act now to stop rural people to provide as seeds or fertilizer," Privatization Commission the COVID-19 pandemic rapid recovery and pre- it recalled, adding: "As and the managing commit- transforming into a food vent a bigger humanitar- entire production chains tee of the Interior Employ- crisis, the head of the ian crisis. are disrupted and unem- Chinese ees Housing Society. UN International Fund The IFAD launched a $40 ployment rises, the most Lifting lockdown not for Agricultural Devel- million package to sup- vulnerable include daily aid for opment (IFAD) said on port farmers and rural laborers, small business- Palestine end of virus: WHO KCCI office Monday. communities, the fund es and informal workers, timings "The fallout from COV- said in a press release. who are very often wom- BEIJING: China has air- ISLAMABAD: The World tests. Tedros reported on ID-19 may push rural It expects to raise this en and young people." lifted emergency medical Health Organization efforts to identify and val- families even deeper into fund by $200 million with It also reminded that 80% supplies including medi- (WHO) has reaffirmed idate five diagnostic tests poverty, hunger and des- contributions from mem- of the poorest people cines, quick medical test its stance on the lifting together with partners the Athar Sufi peration, which is a real ber states, foundations globally live in rural are- equipments and ventila- of lockdown measures Foundation for Innovative threat to global prosper- and the private sector. as, and, even before the tors to help Palestine to aimed at protecting the New Diagnostics (FIND) KARACHI: The Karachi ity and stability," Gilbert "Many small-scale farm- pandemic, over 820 mil- fight COVID-19. Chinese public against the spread and the Clinton Health Ac- Chamber of Commerce Houngbo noted. ers are unable to access lion people were going Ambassador to Palestine of coronavirus. "We want cess Initiative. & Industry (KCCI) has He asserted that imme- markets to sell products hungry every day. – APP Guo Wei delivered the to re-emphasize that eas- WHO will order 30 mil- announced its Office Tim- medical supplies to Pales- ing restrictions is not the coronavirus. lion tests over the next ings during the holy month tinian Ministry of Health end of the epidemic in any "So-called lockdown can four months, with the first of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak. in Ramallah to strengthen country," WHO Director help to take the heat out of shipments starting next The Karachi Chamber Online health services for Pales- General Tedros Adhanom a country's epidemic, but week through the recent- will observe the follow- Pakistan rejects tinian patients, local media Ghebreyesus said on Mon- they cannot end it alone," ly established UN Supply ing timings during Rama- shopping reported on Tuesday. day, during his regular he added. "Countries must Chain. The agency has dan-ul-Mubarak 1441 A.H. irresponsible gaining He said Beijing would con- briefing to journalists. now ensure they can de- also welcomed the accel- For all working days except tinue to support the Pales- Tedros said ending the tect, test, isolate and care erated development and Friday, the office hours at popularity tinians in their fight against disease will require a for every case, and trace validation of tests to de- KCCI will commence from Indian remarks COVID-19 and provide sustained effort from in- every contact"Ł. tect COVID-19 antibodies 9:00AM to 2:00PM while state of denial with regard ISLAMABADl: The trend them with all necessary dividuals, communities WHO said it has repeat- which are helping experts on Friday, the Office tim- Staff Report to the rights of minorities, of online shopping spe- medical equipments and and Governments to con- edly prioritized the ramp- to understand the extent ings will be from 9:00AM to particularly Muslims, in cially Eid clothes and devices to strengthen their tinue suppressing and ing up of production and of coronavirus infection in 12:00PM, said a KCCI press ISLAMABAD: Respond- India. The treatment of mi- garments was gaining resilience, stressing that controlling the deadly new distribution of COVID-19 the population. – APP release issued on Tuesday. ing to media query on re- norities in India is a matter popularity in twin cities of the Chinese government marks made by the Official of serious concern not only Islamabad and Rawalpindi chartered a private plane Spokesperson of the Indian for the Indian minorities amid risk of COVID-19. in order to facilitate the ar- Ministry of External Affairs and the neighbouring coun- Various popular garments rival of aid to Palestine un- Poland medical team at work in Bishkek (MEA) on 19 April 2020 tries but also for the inter- brands have started sale der the air embargo. Pales- relating to comments of national community. through online portals to BISHKEK: A medical team from consisting of 8 people has arrived tinian Minister for Health Pakistani leadership, the It is deeply disconcerting facilitate its customers. Poland started its work at the Re- in the Kyrgyz Republic through the Mai Kila, who received the Spokesperson said: that the discriminatory Head of Sakafat Cultural publican Clinical Infectious Disease World Health Organization. Polish shipment, expressed her We reject the Indian MEA and anti-Muslim policies Forum Momina Khayal said Hospital (RCIDH) in Bishkek, Kyr- doctors will assist domestic medical gratitude to the Chinese Spokesperson’s irresponsi- and practices of the RSS-in- that coronavirus pandemic gyz Republic. workers in the fight against corona- people, and said the medi- ble and completely ill-found- spired BJP Government had completely changed the Yesterday, April 19, 2020, a group virus infection in Bishkek, Osh and cal supplies were not avail- ed remarks, which are re- persist even as the Covid-19 dynamics of shopping world of medical specialists from Poland Dzhalal-Abad cities. – DNA able in the domestic and flective of India’s perennial pandemic unfolds. over. – APP regional markets, therefore the Chinese government was extending its support which was of a great impor- tance. – APP Pak-Iran committed to strengthen cooperation 290 arrested the two brotherly Islamic coun- ta during the last 4 years. Con- Hassan Rouhani so that if any corona. We have placed all the of Iran to develop technical en- DNA tries, especially between neigh- sul-General emphasized the Pakistani traveler is tested pos- people returning from Iran on gineering cooperation with Pa- in Peshawar boring provinces of Sistan and need for promotion of border itive he could be treated in Iran. an emergency basis in quaran- kistan, including the repair of QUETTA: The Consul-General Baluchestan and Balochistan. trade and said that border trade In the meeting, Mohammad tine on an emergency basis. roads and railways between Taf- PESHAWAR: The district of the Islamic Republic of Iran During the meeting, which co- would bring economic prosperi- Rafiei extended an invitation Travelers, including pilgrims, tan and Quetta, as well as the administration here Tues- in Pakistan’s southwestern city incided with the end of the four- ty in the region. from Governor of Sistan and were kept for several days in development of urban services day arrested 290 people of Quetta while expressing his year tenure of the Iranian Con- He appreciated the efforts Baluchestan province Ahmad Taftan and Quetta and were with the state government. upon violation of section country’s readiness to enhance sul-General in Quetta, the two of the Chief Minister of Ba- Ali Mohebbati, to Chief Minis- handed over to their provinc- He added the government of 144 in different parts of cooperation with Pakistan in sides discussed a wide range of lochistan to control coronavi- ter Jamal Khan to visit Iran. es,” Jam Kamal said. Sistan and Baluchestan is ready Peshawar amid coronavi- all areas, especially the border cooperation, border exchang- rus in the province. He also Chief Minister Balochistan said The Chief Minister expressed to sign a health protocol to con- rus outbreak. The spokes- trade, said that cooperation be- es, developments related to the praised the Balochistan govern- that both countries will con- his best wishes for the Con- tinue trade between the two man of district administra- tween the two countries would coronavirus, border trade and ment’s efforts to develop effec- tinue their efforts to further sul-General and said that after countries within the context tion Peshawar told media be further strengthened in economic relations between tive programs to facilitate the strengthen bilateral relations. the eradication of coronavirus, of coronavirus which the Paki- persons that one plaza at post-COVID19 era. the two provinces and some movement of Pakistani pilgrims He expressed deep sorrow over the relations between the two stani side promised to pursue Shoba Bazaar has been Mohammad Rafiei said this dur- of the problems being faced by across the border and to screen the loss of lives in Iran in the countries will find a new dimen- the case. “Having CDC staff sealed besides notices ing a meeting with Chief Min- the business community of the them for the coronavirus. wake of the situation, created sion in all fields. means there is nothing hidden were issued to two banks ister of Balochistan province two countries after the closure He said that the Iranian govern- by the coronavirus. He assured that Pakistan would from the US, from day one. on GT Roads and one Jam Kamal Khan. During the of the common border. ment has issued a health certif- “A false impression regarding soon resume border trade with Because these are Americans bank on Warak Road on meeting, both sides discussed Consul-General apprised the icate to all travelers under the the spread of the coronavirus Iran in accordance with health working with us. It just comes violation of standard oper- promotion of Pakistan-Iran rela- Chief Minister of Balochistan mandatory screening process as was given, that pilgrims were standards. During the meeting, naturally and they tell what ating procedures. – APP tions and cooperation between about his performance in Quet- per the directions of President the reason for the spread of Rafiei announced the readiness they are doing,” said Tedros.

Published by Ansar Mahmood Bhatti, Printed at Rohani Art Press, Islamabad