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

IslamabadThursday, May 07, 2020 ’s First And OnlyP DiplomaticO Daily STPrice Rs. 20 Infiltration: PM The flood has Missing Persons shelves proved a bitter Commission Indian allegations lesson for us performs well Infiltration: PM shelves Indian allegations Latest baseless allegations by India of “infiltration” across [the Line of Control] LoC are a continuation of this dangerous agenda. The indigenous Kashmiri resistance against Indian occupation is a direct consequence of India’s oppression and brutalisation of Kashmiris “Latest baseless allegations by India rity in South Asia. DNA / Staff Report of “infiltration” across [the Line of The premier’s remarks come after ADANA: PAC C 130 aircraft being loaded with Piper Brave spray aircraft at Adana (Turkey) Control] LoC are a continuation of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath before its departure for Pakistan. – DNA ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran this dangerous agenda. Singh, Army Chief Gen MM Nar- Khan once again called on the inter- The indigenous Kashmiri resist- avane and other officials last week national community to take notice of ance against Indian occupation is alleged that Pakistan has been op- India’s brutality in occupied Kash- a direct consequence of India’s op- erating terrorist launch pads from PM, DG ISI Locust control: mir before it jeopardises the peace pression and brutalisation of Kash- it’s side of the LoC and attempting and security in South Asia. miris,” he said. to infiltrate the border into the In- discuss PAF airlifts spray In a series of tweets on Wednes- The prime minister added, “The dian side day, the prime minister said, “I fascist policies of the RSS-BJP A day earlier, Director-General ISPR security have been warning the world about combine are fraught with serious Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar had also dis- aircraft from Turkey India’s continuing efforts to find a risks. The international communi- missed Indian Army’s allegations matters pretext for a false flag operation ty must act before India’s reckless and termed them as ‘baseless’ and targeting Pakistan.” moves jeopardise peace and secu- ‘non-serious’. Turkey and Pakistan are all weather friends and DNA this gesture would help improve a comprehensive

ISLAMABAD: Direc- pest control system to overcome the locust plague tor General Inter Ser- spray aircraft from the Turkey and Pakistan are Briefs Pompeo has no vices Intelligence (ISI) DNA brotherly country. all weather friends and Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid The aircraft, along with this gesture would help called on Prime Minis- ISLAMABAD: To augment four crew members would improve a comprehen- COVID-19 evidence: China ter Imran Khan here Pakistan’s locust control be landing in Pakistan to- sive pest control system on Wednesday. efforts, Turkish govern- day, where it would be as- to overcome the locust claims “Mr Pompeo repeatedly spoke up but he cannot Matters pertaining to ment has offered its exper- sembled before its depar- plague. present any evidence. How can he? Because he national security were tise to the Government of ture for the pest infected PAF transport fleet has third life discussed during the Pakistan. areas in the country. a rich history of serving doesn’t have any,” Hua Chunying said meeting, said a press In this regard, on the spe- This aircraft would be the nation in various nat- BEIJING: China on “I think this matter Pompeo said Sunday in statement issued by cial instructions of Paki- used to fight the locust on- ural calamities and it has Munir Faisal Wednesday hit back at US should be handed to sci- an interview that there the PM Media Office. stan Government, a PAF slaught on various crops been in the forefront of Secretary of State Mike entists and medical pro- was “enormous evidence” Meanwhile, Special C-130 aircraft arrived at and cultivable lands across providing air transport ATTOCK: The Corona Pompeo over his claims fessionals, and not poli- that the new coronavirus Assistant to PM on Adana, Turkey to airlift the country, especially to the relief efforts in the Virus pandemic COV- that the coronavirus orig- ticians, who lie for their came out of a Wuhan lab. National Security Divi- purpose built Piper Brave Sindh and Punjab. country. ID-19 claimed its Third inated in a lab in Wuhan, own domestic political Most scientists believe sion Dr. Moeed Yusuf life in district Attock saying he “doesn’t have ends,” said foreign min- the new virus, which called on Prime Min- as a Old man who was any” evidence. istry spokeswoman Hua emerged in China late ister Imran Khan here under treatment at hos- Pompeo said on Sunday Chunying at a regular last year, jumped from on Wednesday. Asim Bajwa pital died of Coronavi- that there was “enormous press briefing. animals to humans -- pos- Regional security sit- LHC moved sheds light rus and buried under evidence” to show that “Mr Pompeo repeatedly sibly from a market in Wu- uation particularly strict safety protocol the new coronavirus orig- spoke up but he cannot han selling exotic animals the Indian aggression on CPEC in Ghurghushti village inated in a lab in China, present any evidence. for meat. emerging during the against NAB Tehsil Hazro in Attock. further fuelling tensions How can he? Because he The World Health Organi- recent days and oth- projects The district health with Beijing over its han- doesn’t have any,” she zation said the US claims er matters were dis- Chaudhry brothers filed a authorities have con- dling of the outbreak. said. were “speculative”. cussed in the meeting, petition in the LHC against the firmed that it is Third a press statement is- confirmed death due sued by the PM Media anti-corruption watchdog and to Corona Virus COV- Office here said. alleged that the NAB is involved ID-19 in the district. in political engineering District focal person for Domestic flights, COVID-19, Dr Asif Arbab Faisal alleged that the NAB Niazi told that 82 Years retail business open DNA is involved in political old Muhammad Rafique Edhi tests engineering. Chaudhry a resident of Tehsil Haz- The recommendations were made during Committee ‘negative’ LAHORE: Pakistan brothers have taken the ro was tested positive on meeting chaired by in Islamabad Muslim League-Quaid stance that courts have 02 May and was under (PML-Q) President already issued verdicts DNA treatment at a hospi- were made during Com- selective outpatient de- Chaudhry Shujaat Husain regarding the anti-graft tal where he died. He DNA mittee meeting chaired by partments in Islamabad. DNA and Punjab Assembly body’s erroneous way ISLAMABAD: Chairman said the deceased had Minister for Planning, De- The participants of meet- Speaker Chaudhry Per- of conducting investiga- China Pakistan Economic recently returned from ISLAMABAD: The Nation- velopment and Reforms ing proposed to enhance ISLAMABAD: Faisal vaiz Elahi on Wednesday tions. Corridor (CPEC) Authority Karachi after meeting al Command and Opera- Asad Umar in Islamabad. shops timings from 9am Edhi, the head of Edhi moved the Lahore High NAB Chairman Justice and Special Assistant to PM family. Rescue 1122 of- tion Center (NCOC) on The recommendations in- to 5pm and then 8pm to Foundation and the son of Court (LHC) against the (retd) Javed Iqbal has on Information Asim Saleem ficials told that Muham- Wednesday proposed mul- clude opening of inter-pro- 10pm. philanthropist late Abdul National Accountability reopened 19-year-old as- Bajwa on Wednesday said mad Rafique was buried tiple recommendations to vincial transportation with They also decided to bring Sattar Edhi, has tested Bureau (NAB) chair- sets beyond means case that the CPEC project is a according to the in Teh- ease lockdown restrictions proper implementation of no change in the SOPs negative for coronavirus, man’s jurisdiction. against us in which the reality and there was hin- sil Hazro as per safety in the country which were SOPs, opening phase-II of for the religious congre- on Wednesday. Faisal Edhi Chaudhry brothers filed anti-corruption watch- drance in its completion. protocol of Coronavirus imposed to curb spread of the construction sector, gations in the second said that he has tested neg- a petition in the LHC dog failed to prove any - “CPEC is an important na- COVID-19. the coronavirus. reopening of retail outlets half of the holy month of ative for COVID-19 by the against the anti-cor- thing earlier, Chaudhry tional project and soon its The recommendations and operationalization of Ramazan. grace of Allah Almighty. ruption watchdog and brothers maintained. second and most important phase will begin,” he said Inside... adding that the phase-II would emphasize on the ag- riculture, industry, trade and Missing Persons science sectors. Commission COVID-19 impact on CPEC controllable said puts up excellent through the northern and fact that there is a force on specific issues of CPEC Chinese enterprises have Therefore, in this special that it was their priority to performance DNA southern parts of Pakistan, in the world that does not projects now. Normal provided sufficient preven- period, the continuous establish economic zones in where the pandemic is get- wish to see the success of flights between the two tion and medical materials construction of CPEC is of all provinces of the country – Page 02 BEIJING: The COVID-19 ting worse. CPEC, so they arbitrarily countries were temporarily to workers onsite, and sent great significance, because while development of Gawa- spreads will affect the Now everyone is very exaggerate the impact of interrupted due to the epi- medical teams to the con- these infrastructure pro- dar was also part of the sec- Red zone files: construction of China-Pa- much concerned about the pandemic on CPEC de- demic, but Chinese techni- struction sites. jects as well as special eco- ond phase. The Information kistan Economic Corridor the COVID-19 impact on velopment. cians had returned to the In addition, the Chinese nomic zones and industrial “The development work on challenge (CPEC) to a certain extent, the construction of CPEC The Chinese and Pakistani site by chartered airplanes. enterprises participating parks are closely related economic zones is being ex- but the effect is likely to be projects. Some people say governments and peoples The Chinese enterprises in the construction of to future development of pedited,” he said. – Page 03 within a controllable range, that it has an impact, some have firm determination have implemented closed- CPEC projects are also ac- Pakistan. Shedding light on the agri- said a report published say there is no impact, and to overcome difficulties off management and all tively making contributions All walks of life in Pakistan culture project, the CPEC The flood has by China Economic Net others say the impact is caused by COVID-19 and CPEC projects have for- to the prevention and con- have reached a consensus Authority chairman said that proved a bitter (CEN) on Wednesday. very large. The impact on promote CPEC construc- mulated prevention and trol of the pandemic in var- that CPEC is the lifeline of China would establish pest lesson for us The report says, it is a mat- CPEC will depend on the tion. Therefore, while control plans and imple- ious locations in Pakistan, Pakistan. Recently, I have control centre in Pakistan to ter of concern these days, spread of the epidemic in fighting COVID-19 togeth- mented them very strictly, donating materials to the read an article written by improve quality of seeds in Pak students in COVID-19 spreads rapidly days to come and the ef- er, the two governments therefore effectively pre- local governments, schools a Pakistani friend on social order to yield better results. Wuhan celebrate in Pakistan, as confirmed fectiveness of Pakistan’s attach great importance to venting the invasion of the and hospitals. media, saying that Paki- He said that overall 20,000 easing of cases have crossed 22,000 epidemic prevention and the continuous construc- novel coronavirus. At present, Pakistan’s stan’s future development Pakistani students would lockdown with 476 deaths. control measures. tion of CPEC projects. So far there is no COVID-19 economy and its people can be maintained only if visit China on educational The CPEC is a flagship pro- We should seek truth from Both governments have spread at the project sites. are struggling, especially CPEC’s development is scholarships. “Soon this pro- – Back Page ject of the Belt and Road facts. At the same time, maintained close commu- The Chinese government when facing the strike of further promoted, the re- gramme will be announced,” Initiative (BRI), which runs we should be alert to the nication and coordination and headquarters of the COVID-19. port added. Asim Bajwa said. IslamabadPOST 02

METROLITEThursday, May 07, 2020 Briefs Pak earns $ 526 mln thru transport services Online ISLAMABAD: Pakistan $466.390 million during earned US $ 526.710 mil- July-February (2019-20). Theater lion by providing differ- Among the air transport Festival held ent transport services in services, the exports various countries during of passenger services ISLAMABAD: Ajoka the first eight months however increased by Theater Pakistan has of current financial year 13.33 percent, from US arranged an online (2019-20) as compared $271.790 million to US Theater Festival titled to the corresponding pe- $308.020 million, where- “Coronologue” amid riod of last year. as the exports of freight C O V I D - 1 9 L o c k d o w n . This shows decrease of services also grew by An organizer of the event 6.48 percent as compared 21.75 percent, from US said, send 1-3 entries of to US $563.210 million $12.320 million to US up to 10 minutes dura- earned through provision $15 million, in addition tion for this exciting and of services during the the export of other air innovative theater festival. corresponding period of transport services de- The Monologue should fiscal year (2018-19), Pa- creased by 28.11 percent be one or two person Per- kistan Bureau of Statis- from US $199.420 mil- formances with Stand up tics (PBS) reported. lion to US $143.370 mil- Comedy acts, record it on During the period under lion. The exports of sea your smart phone/ laptop review, the exports of transport services de- cameras as a single cut but air transport witnessed clined by 39.54 percent, well rehearsed,he started. nominal decrease of by going down from US He said that duration 3.54 percent by going $46.050 million last year must be Up to 10 minutes down from US $483.530 to US $27.840 million for each entry along with GHJOTKI: German non governmental organisation distribuitng ration in interior Sindh. – DNA million last year to US this year. – APP script and participants from any part of the world can participate. Act can be played in any languag- Steps to end es, Urdu, English, any child abuse other Pakistani language Missing Persons Commission and Jury would be com- prising from eminent DNA theater personalities. The Selected 5 perfor- puts up excellent performance ISLAMABAD: Ministry of mances will be present- Human Rights(MoHR) has ed live on social media Chairman of the Missing Persons Commission Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal and other Honorable members taken special measures to and Ajoka’s Youtube have disposed of 4523 cases till April 2020. The relatives of missing persons have lauded the efforts of strengthen the realisation channel and the selected of the rights of the chil- entries will also be per- Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal Chairman Missing Persons Commission and other Honorable members dren to protect them from formed on stage after of Missing Persons Commission for taking personal interest in locating their near and dear ones all forms of violence and the lockdown. – APP exploit ation. ing Persons Commission upto Islamabad in April 2020. The efforts of Honorable Mr. Justice The Ministry has devised Fiaz Chaudrhy March 2020. During April, 2020, hearings in others area includ- Javed Iqbal Chairman Missing a plan through its helpline Rs 20 mln 33 more cases were received by ing Karachi, Lahore, Quetta and Persons Commission and other 1099 to make it working ISLAMABAD: Missing Persons the commission and total num- Peshawar will be resumed after Honorable members of Missing for 24/7 to end the men- for HR Commission has disposed of bers of cases reached to 6661. review of Lock down policies of Persons Commission for taking ace of child abuse with 4523 cases upto April 30, 2020 The Missing Persons Commis- the respected provincial govern- personal interest in locating their collective efforts of the programme as per monthly progress report sion disposed of 10 cases in till ments as per law. near and dear ones. Honorable society, an official said on released by Farid Ahmed Khan, April 30, 2020 and thus total Chairman of the Missing Persons Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chair- Wednesday. ISLAMABAD: The Min- Secretary (ColoED) on cases of disposal of Missing Persons Commission Mr. Justice Javed man of Missing Persons Commis- He said that now helpline istry of Human Rights alleged enforced disappearances upto April 30, 2020 is 4523 and Iqbal and other Honorable mem- sion is serving Missing Persons would work day and night (MoHR) would be spend- for the month of April 2020. balance as on April 2020 is 2138. bers have disposed of 4523 cases Commission in an honorary ca- to end Child abuse to bring ing Rs 20.0 million during A total number of 6628 cases The Missing Persons Commis- till April 2020. The relatives of pacity and drawing no salary and them into mainstream of the current financial year were received by the Miss- sion conducted 26 hearings in missing persons have lauded the availing other faculties. the society’s fabric. 2019-2020 for creating an effective Human Rights Awareness Programme in the targeted districts. Talking to an official of Hashoo Group provides CDA PACRA MoHR on Wednesday, he said the main objec- starts tives of the project were meals to on duty police cops maintains IFC to increase the people’s e-filing Group aims to acknowledge understanding and and appreciate the dauntless rating of UIC knowledge about respect system courage of the law-enforce- of human rights in Islam ment personnel rendering be ascertained. and fundamental human tireless duties to ensure the DNA Shaheen Qureshi Speaking on the devel- rights enshrined in the safety and security of the opment, Chairman of Constitution of Pakistan citizens under the turmoil of ISLAMABAD: E-filing ISLAMABAD: The Paki- the United International and domestic national the pandemic. system has been made stan Credit Rating Agency Group Mian Shahid said laws for human rights; In addition, Hashoo Foun- operational in the Hu- (PACRA) has maintained that we have planned to To promote tolerance and dation - through its Hashoo man Recourse Develop- the IFS rating of the Unit- generate liquidity through respect for human rights Humanitarian Program ment and Administration ed Insurance Company divestment of some stake and inter-faith harmony to - has already responded directorates of Capital (UIC). A statement issued as the generation of in- combat religious intoler- to the crisis with its emer- Development Authority by PACRA said that UIC is ternal capital has become ance for a peaceful socie- gency and relief activities (CDA) to make internal one of the leading players essential in the current ty through strenghtening such as the distribution of working of authority in the insurance sector scenario. He said that the regional Directories pro- food packages, hygiene and fast. with a balanced portfolio insurance industry plays ject of Human Rights; medical kits to vulnerable Capital Development and good profitability rep- an important part in na- To sensitize rural and ur- Ramadan. This was agreed forcement agency (LEA) communities and LEAs, Authority chairman had resenting all segment of tional development while ban communities for be- Abid Raza in a meeting held between personnel deployed at se- and will continue to do so earlier issued directions the insurance industry. the pandemic has under- havioral change towards the Superintendent of Po- curity checkpoints under until the pandemic is over. for introduction of e-fil- The company has good lined its importance and certain human rights LAHORE: To honor the lice, Civil Lines Division Mr. Lahore, Civil Lines Division. Mr. Haseeb Gardezi, Chief ing system in the au- capability to absorb risks now more people are tak- issues particularly gen- brave services of front-line Dost Muhammad and the The Group, in collaboration Operating Officer - Hashoo thority. while it is striving for high- ing interest in insurance der based violence; To police personnel safeguard- Hotel Manager Pearl-Con- with Lahore Police, is going Group Hospitality Divi- E-filing system is being er standards in various for security of their fami- develop communication ing Lahore by putting their tinental Hotel Lahore Mr. to deliver a total of 7,000 hy- sion, said: “We thank the introduced in phase wise facets including efficien- lies and business. strategy to address major own well-being at risk dur- Hussain Abbas on Wednes- gienically packed, nutritious courageous policemen for manner in the CDA. cy and transparency and The losses linked to COV- human rights issues par- ing the Covid-19 outbreak, day, May 6th, 2020. meals to the policemen displaying genuine care In this regard it was governance standards, PA- ID-19 has amplified the im- ticularly violence against Hashoo Group has launched Under its Corporate Social manning these checkpoints and bravery in bringing us decided to start e-filing CRA said. However, it said portance of the role of the women, women’s inher- an initiative to benefit them Responsibility (CSR) initia- throughout the Holy month peace and security while we system in the authority that the current economic insurance sector in develop- itance rights, child abuse, by providing Sehr and Iftar tive, Hashoo Group is going of Ramadan. stay comfortable and feel from HRD and Adminis- meltdown may impact the ment, and in the economic transgender, minorities meals at their checkpoints to provide daily Sehr and If- Through this heartfelt ges- safe at our homes during tration directorates as business volumes of the resilience of businesses and and PWDs. – APP during the Holy Month of tar meals to on-duty law-en- ture of gratitude, Hashoo this unprecedented time.” pilot project. industry, which are yet to individuals, he added. LRH Gynae Block sealed PESHAWAR: The Gynae Academicians to enhance regional cooperation Block of Lady Reading said that COVID-19 has provided us fence University, Islamabad, said that Hospital (LRH) Pesha- DNA with the opportunity to revive region- it’s time to establish sustainable peace war has been temporarily al cooperation between the SAARC in the region and to take the confi- sealed after reporting of ISLAMABAD: Knowledge sharing and countries. He said that the priorities dence-building measures to help people coronavirus cases in its learning each other’s best practices to need to be changed and the post-COV- in distress in the conflict areas. She said staff. LRH spokesperson deal with global pandemics like COV- ID-19 cooperation could be more fo- in addition to challenges posed by COV- Muhammad Asim said this ID-19 would be significantly important cused on food supply chain, livelihood ID-19, the issues related to food security while talking to media per- for the South Asian countries in the fu- and vaccination. and climate change should also be the fo- sons here on Wednesday. ture. The platform of SAARC, despite all The idea of SAARC Virtual Summit cus of collaborative efforts in the region. He said more than 35 the challenges, could be used effectively needs to be worked upon to revive co- Dr Niranjan Sahoo, Senior Research doctors and nurses have at least by applying a sectoral approach, operation on such urgent matters. Fellow, Observer Research Foundation, been tested positive for especially in the areas of health, food Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, SDPI Executive India, was of the view that the SAARC COVID-19, after which security, social sector development and Director, while highlighting different countries should be looking forward to the block was sealed and climate change in the region. aspects of the SAARC functioning, said revive this platform, establish peace the services stood termi- The experts from South Asia and Pacif- that the pandemic signifies the impor- and respond to shared challenges nated on temporary basis. ic region said this while sharing views tance of changing the mindset as the in- observed. He further said that the crit- added Dr Suleri. through enhanced cooperation. He said The affected staff have with the audience at an online policy securities that people in the region face ical learning on the immunity level, the Dr Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Dhaka SAARC provides us a number of forums been quarantined and dialogue titled: ‘COVID-19 and regional today are beyond the physical security. specific strategies opted by the countries University, Bangladesh, said that South that need to be revived, especially to en- their families have also cooperation in South Asia’ organized by He said that the insecurities appeared such as the lockdown and the best prac- Asia is the least integrated region in the hance cooperation in healthcare sector. been tested in this regard. Sustainable Development Policy Insti- as a result of the pandemic, climate tices should be shared mutually whereas world. The coronavirus has exposed Dr Anton Piyarathne, The Open Uni- He said that a committee tute (SDPI) here on Tuesday. Experts change and food chain could only be joint medical investigation, people-to-peo- our development models that need to versity of Sri Lanka, said that the are- has been established to from South Asia and Pacific region, in- responded by working together. ple contact and virtual platforms of shar- be made people-centric now, he added. as for short-term cooperation between devise Standard Operat- cluding India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, “How to keep our food chain intact and ing and learning need to be strengthened. He stressed upon Indian government the South Asian countries such as ing Procedures for the Nepal, Afghanistan and Australia par- creating a balance between saving the “SAARC is an organization whose pres- that being the largest economy of the dealing with the pandemic and long- patients after re-opening ticipated in the dialogue. lives and ensuring livelihoods are some ence may not seem to create a positive region, it should accommodate its term cooperation should be assessed of the block. – APP Dr Zahid Shahab Ahmed, Research of the critical questions to ponder over difference, however, its absence would neighbours during the time of crisis. and mapped out to strengthen a base Fellow, Deakin University, Australia, in the post pandemic world,” Dr Suleri create a much bigger negative effect”, Prof. Dr Shaheen Akhtar, National De- for the regional cooperation. Thursday, May 07, 2020 03 IslamabadPOST Pakistan’s First And Only Diplomatic Daily Covid disparities Editor-in-Chief: Ansar Mahmood Bhatti Vaccination failures Deputy Editor: Abid Raza HE Covid-19 pandemic has overtaken virtually the entire world. But HE Covid-19 crisis, which has hit South Asia as well as other parts the capacity of individual countries to deal with this crisis is very Vol: 01 Issue: 40 of the world, has not claimed the lives of many small children. But different. A new report released by the UNDP states that Pakistan in South Asia, there is a risk that the suspension of campaigns T Email: T has one of the lowest levels of preparedness because of its limited human [email protected] to deliver other vaccines against preventable diseases to which children development, poor health infrastructure, lack of internet usage and related Phone: 051-2266165 / 051-2261960 under five most often fall victim, could do so due to lockdowns, travel re- issues. Pakistan, one of the countries in the world which spends the smallest Off: Awan Plaza, Block 18-A, G-8 Markaz Islamabad strictions and consequent shortages of supplies as well as the reluctance percentage of its GDP on health, with only 2.8 percent allocated for the of parents to travel to clinics or access doctors. sector, has only 9.8 physicians, five nurses and six hospital beds for every Thousands of children in South Asia have missed out on routine vaccina- 10,000 people. This is especially visible in terms of the low number of nurses tions. As a result, small but potentially dangerous outbreaks of measles and available. In contrast, developed countries for every 10,000 persons have 30 diphtheria are already being reported in Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. physicians, 81 nurses and 55 hospital beds. We are seeing a continued rise Unicef warns that governments need to take action to ensure that children in coronavirus cases in our country, with experts stating the virus is yet to who have been left out from routine vaccination during the Covid-19 crisis reach its peak. An alarming number of positive tests are emerging from pas- do not miss out permanently. Indeed, the UN agency points out that even sengers who disembark from flights coming in to the country, notably those before the coronavirus pandemic hit the region, 4.5 million South Asian from the UAE which carry workers living in dormitory-style settings. This children had missed out on routine immunisations. will add to Pakistan’s concerns. Unicef advises that there is no risk to children receiving the necessary Sindh and the Punjab stand virtually shoulder-to-shoulder, with 8,100 cases in vaccines, including the one against polio, provided health workers exercise Sindh and 7,600 in Punjab. The highest percentage of deaths continues in Khy- good hygiene and are careful to avoid any gatherings of crowds at clinics. ber Pakhtunkhwa. Our healthcare workers are especially vulnerable, with more For Pakistan, continuing with its polio campaign is especially important nurses and doctors testing positive, and another doctor dying in Karachi – cir- given that 147 cases of the potentially fatal virus had been reported last cumstances of which are being probed by the Sindh government. We are also year. This compares to only 12 cases in 2018 and fewer than that in previ - seeing other problems, with OPD departments shut down and patients with oth- ous years. er high-risk health issues left without assistance. In Peshawar, the Lady Reading The disruptions in vaccine campaigns caused by Covid-19 poses the risk Hospital has closed its gynecology department, the largest in the province, after that still more children could become infected this year, both by polio and quite a few of its staff tested positive for the virus – leaving hundreds of pregnant by other illnesses. Health strategies have to be thought out systematically women in the lurch. Through all this, the virus continues to spread. Talks of a and carefully. Naturally, there can be no desire to put children at any risk. softening of the lockdown is being heard, but in doing so we would be breaking However, for small children, the dangers posed by polio or measles may be away from other countries who relax lockdowns only after their Covid curve had greater than those presented by Covid-19. begun to flatten. There is no real evidence of that in Pakistan for now. Therefore, carefully planned schemes are required to ensure there is not One of the problems with the rate of spread is the fact that even after mass too great a lag in immunizing children. It is almost certain that there will media campaigns, people seem indifferent to social distancing, crowding be gaps this year and perhaps for longer than that. In the current situation around supermarket stalls as well as other areas. This is perhaps most visible where global cargo and local travel is severely limited, it can be extremely at mosques where the 20-point agenda agreed to between the government difficult to deliver vaccines to children, notably those in rural and remote and ulema is being blatantly violated in 250 mosques and religious spaces. areas. The police administration is said to have sent out at least 460 notices to These children are often among those left out most often even in ordinary these institutions, but with limited response. The main violations involve the circumstances. This however is not an ordinary circumstance. The corona- participation of people over 50 in prayers, including taraveeh prayers, the virus should not allow us to forget that other diseases exist too and unless presence of children at them, a lack of social distancing and a failure to follow measures are taken, these can take the lives of children in large numbers regulations regarding the removal of carpets or communal mats. without the vaccines they require. Red zone files: The Information challenge EW team, new challenge, old problem. It wasn’t just the ministers who were changing. Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) and a host of Fahd Husain Thus continues the saga of PTI and its So were times, and along with them the demands other sections. N unending list of information czars chasing upon the domain of information and communica- These have worked for decades like the bureaucra- moving targets that dance with shadows. tion. While thinking women and men were mulling cy that they are, often times oblivious to the fero- Prime Minister Imran Khan has brought in the big over these matters, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan sud- cious winds of change blowing across this (often) guns. as federal information minister denly and without warning gate-crashed the in- barren landscape. But today the key question is not brings with him goodwill ammunition that should formation ministry and sent many a party loyalist what the ministry of information is expected to do last him a while even in these tense times. Retired scurrying for cover. but, in fact, what the minister of information is ex- Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa as special assistant Along with her political baggage, the good doctor pected to do? to the prime minister (SAPM) comes armed with brought with her tonnes of uber-confidence to take The answer must precede expectations that contin- impressive experience of media management and the war to the opposition in words that cut deep. ue to rise in direct proportion to the ambiguity of strategic communication. Yet she struggled to grasp the shifting sands of her the task. Traditionally, the minister of information Yet, there are complications. job’s expanding requirements and expectations. has grappled with three distinct tasks: (1) Govern- It wasn’t just the ministers Let’s rewind. PTI stormed into power laden with What were these requirements and expectations? ance of institutions (PTV, PBC, APP — even though goodwill, good intentions and good institutional In the 20 months since PTI has been in power, the many are now run by autonomous boards); (2) who were changing. So support. Other than these, it was fairly clueless. In mandate of the information and media set-up has Dealing with media owners, journalists and stake- were times, and along with this exalted state of cluelessness, the party leader- been a series of experiments based on the project- holders and managing these key relationships; (3) them the demands upon ship found comfort in familiarity. ed and often perceived desires of the leader him- Amplifying the government’s narrative and defend- was the obvious by-product of this familiarity. As self. The strategy makes surreal sense: attack and ing official policies as the official spokesperson. the domain of information the communicator-in-chief during the Panama insult the opposition while attacking and insulting But in times like now, are these the tasks on which and communication. While Leaks case when PTI was clawing its way out of the media while picking needless fights with the the minister of information is weighed? Are these political setbacks, Fawad was the obvious — and opposition while picking even more needless fights the scales that Fawad Chaudhry and Dr Firdous thinking women and men perhaps the only — choice for the information min- with the media. There must have been an end ob- Ashiq Awan were measured on? As the new team were mulling over these istry. PTI had just won a gruelling election after a jective for this strategy conjured by some genius- takes charge at the ministry, it is absolutely criti- brutal campaign that had followed fiery few years es deep within the bowels of the government, but cal that the prime minister clarifies what he wants matters, Dr Firdous Ashiq combating the PML-N. Fawad fit the mood of the these objectives are so well-camouflaged that even his information team to do that will — in his mind Awan suddenly and without moment, and that of his leader. Information meant those propagating them have little idea what they — constitute success. Which one of the following warfare. Warfare meant the minister going for the are in terms of tangibles. does he see as the most important function of an warning gate-crashed the opponents’ jugular. Every hour of every day. Scale up and you see a strategy adrift in a sea of information minister? information ministry and But soon — as was wont to happen — the burden of directionless tactics. No wonder then that alarm (a) Blast political opponents as viciously as possible sent many a party loyalist governance began to weigh down upon the simple bells started ringing in places where they mat- in the strongest language possible; (b) explain gov- joys of cursing out your opponents. Someone had ter. Information ministry is expected to not only ernment policies in an effective manner and defend scurrying for cover. Along to work too. Work may yet be optional within the sell the government narrative, but it is supposed against criticism; (c) influence public opinion through with her political baggage, the corridors of power, but conspiracy is a compulsion. to craft the communication architecture for the persuasive short- and long-term communication strat- And so it happened that as the PTI government state and fuel up a high-octane national story. If egies and build bridges with the media for effective good doctor brought with her settled down into the addictive comforts of power you racked up these objectives on one side and the dissemination of the government’s perspective; (d) tonnes of uber-confidence to — oh those plush offices, liveried attendants and ability of the government’s media team on the oth- craft a state narrative that weaves a national story and fawning staff — it also began to silently groan under er side, the difference was rather conspicuous in influences regional and global public opinion. take the war to the opposition the inevitable heft of factionalism. its starkness. The easiest answer, of course, is “all of the above”. in words that cut deep. Yet she Whispers, ears and power make a potent combi- But wait. There’s more. But that is not possible. It never is. The leader struggled to grasp the shifting nation. The hubris of dissolving hopes and dilut- The information ministry is a sum total of various must prioritise his preferences before he can judge ing enchantments fell upon many a favoured one. important parts: PTV, PBC (Radio Pakistan), APP the person responsible for carrying them out. sands of her job’s expanding Fawad was one of them. He was eased out of Infor- (state news agency) along with the ministry itself requirements and expectations mation and exiled to the Ministry of Science and that encapsulates key offices like the Principal In- The writer is Resident Editor DAWN, Islamabad, Technology. formation Officer (PIO), External Publicity Wing, The article first published on April 30th, 2020. Why ME needs an EU-like regional order HE UAE and Turkey last week exchanged accu- were built on those two destructive human feelings. Like the EU, it should have a parliament for political rep- Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib sations regarding Libya, with each party claim- Our current conflicts are governed by the same tenden- resentation of the different member states and a com- T ing that the other is a hostile, destabilizing force cies. To overcome them we need an overarching order, a mission that has more of a technical, sectoral function. in the region. Unfortunately, the region is bleeding from regime, a system that transcends interstate differences All countries will be joined by a common market that can conflicts due to competition between different partners, and sets the rules of engagement. When I look at the unleash huge economic potential for the region. while Israel tries to play on the differences to find allies, region today, I think of the Thirty Years’ War of 1618-48 Unless we have the maturity and the will to cooperate, and radical movements like Daesh take advantage of the that destroyed Europe and ended with the Peace of West- these conflicts can drag on for another 10 years, if chaos created by conflicts to thrive. phalia treaties. The different parties were compelled to not more. The region is in a mess. It is difficult to get out of this enter into an agreement when their coffers emptied and Once relations among the different states are stream- quagmire as long as each party looks at conflict from a they had no more young men to send into battle. Unfor- lined and no country represents a threat to its neigh- zero-sum perspective. Our situation resembles the Eu- tunately, we are far from that stage. We still have money bors, then we can focus on growth, prosperity, human rope of previous eras. Shattered by sectarian wars and to pour into conflict and we still have fighters. Unless and civil rights, and quality of life, instead of being ob- rivalry for influence, the old continent was only able to we have the maturity and the will to cooperate, these sessed with security the way we are today. prosper and achieve true peace when it realized that co- conflicts can drag on for another 10 years, if not more. Such a structure can offer the necessary pressure, incen- operation is better than competition. This is when the Today, there is some speculation that, with Brexit, the tives and guarantees for Israel to abide by the two-state The region is in a mess. It concept of the EU was born. The Middle East needs a refugee influx and the coronavirus crisis, the EU project solution. It would need to join the order in order to find similar regional order to overcome its differences and to is nearing its end. friends in the region. And, by joining the order, Israel is difficult to get out of this start constructive interstate relations. However, if we pay attention to French President Emma- would have the necessary guarantee that it would not be quagmire as long as each If we take a close look at the Middle East, though we like nuel Macron’s interview with the Financial Times last attacked by any neighbor. Therefore, Israeli politicians to blame our calamities on Western imperialism or on month, he emphasizes that only through cooperation like Benjamin Netanyahu, who have built their narrative party looks at conflict from the US, really the threats any country faces come from can Europe emerge from the current pandemic and over- on fear and hate, will become a thing of the past. Also, within the region — from a neighbor, whether distant or come its repercussions. He called it a “moment of truth” access to a huge market would provide the incentive for a zero-sum perspective. Our close. They do not come from across the Atlantic or the for the bloc. The Middle East’s leaders should follow the Israel to make the necessary concessions for the Pales- situation resembles the Europe Pacific. In this respect, we should ask ourselves, if the logic of the moment of truth. No power is strong enough tinians. money we have spent in the last 50 years on conflicts and to totally defeat the others and spread its influence all This is a gargantuan task but it is worth initiating. We of previous eras. Shattered by weapons had been spent on development, where would over the region; hence we need to cooperate. There is need to remember that the Westphalia treaties were not sectarian wars and rivalry for we be standing now? no other way. drafted overnight, but rather took almost 10 years of ne- As said before, there is a similarity between our plight The starting point is to create a congress where Turkey, gotiations. The EU took even longer to materialize in the influence, the old continent and the past of Europe. Though history does not re - Iran and Saudi Arabia, the anchor powers in the region, structure we know today. However, an initiative needs to peat itself, human nature has some patterns that are can meet and streamline their differences. Instead of be launched to start the process. was only able to prosper and likely to cross cultures and times. If we ask ourselves: exchanging accusations, each of these three regional Dr. Dania Koleilat Khatib is a specialist in US-Arab achieve true peace when it What led to the Thirty Years’ War? What led to the powers should put on the table the perceived threats relations with a focus on lobbying. She holds a PhD First World War and the Second World War? The an - it is facing from the others. Once these differences are in politics from the University of Exeter and is an realized that cooperation is swer is greed and fear: Wanting to have more power streamlined and an initial agreement is reached, other affiliated scholar with the Issam Fares Institute for better than competition and more influence, and being afraid of annihilation countries in the region will join. The order should organ- Public Policy and International Affairs at the Amer- by the other. Ideologies that led to bloody conflicts ize economic as well political relations among members. ican University of Beirut. Courtesy Arab News. Islamabad THURSDAY, MAY 07, 2020 | WWW.ISLAMABADPOST.COM.PKPOST Briefs Shavkat Mirziyoyev: the flood IGP wants Islamabad has proved a bitter lesson for us crime free 83 percent of quarantined people have facilities and crops throughout the re- but also improved. I think we are obliged DNA already returned home. Positive dynam- gion. Serious damage was caused to ag- to build them new housing, social facili- ics are evident. All necessary measures riculture, manufacturing sector, services ties, create new jobs. DNA TASHKENT: President of the Repub- are being taken to treat 740 patients re- and infrastructure. To date, large-scale works have been lic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev maining in hospitals, restore their health Unfortunately, the trials did not end undertaken in a number of mahallas to ISLAMABAD: Inspector expounded once more on the efforts and return them to their families. there. As you know, due to the emer- clear and do up. As a result, more than General of Police (IGP) in progress in our country to combat All this has been barely easy. To date, gency at the Sardoba reservoir in the 53 thousand people have returned to Islamabad Muhammad the coronavirus infection as well as on we have streamlined 2 trillion 250 billion Syrdarya region, about 90 thousand their homes or moved to those of close Aamir Zulfiqar has as- the disasters in Bukhara and Syrdar- soums from the Anti-Crisis Fund and $ people from 24 mahallas of the Sardoba, relatives. I repeat: our state and society signed task to all police ya regions. The head of state noted in 500 million from funds of international Akaltyn and Mirzaabad districts were will not leave anyone unattended in the officials to make capital particular: What we all observe today financial institutions. immediately evacuated to safe areas. All face of such unexpected disasters. “crime free” city and en- is how humanity is struggling with Today, no one in the world knows for of them are provided with basic necessi- The Ministry of Emergency Situations, sure safety to the lives both the coronavirus and equally the sure how long this pandemic will last. ties, food, clothing and other products. the Ministry of the Interior and the Min- of people through high resulting economic crisis. Therefore, no matter how difficult it may The government commission is working istry of Defense, as well as the National vigilance. A growing number of countries are grad- be, we must learn to work and live in a tine requirements in order to create to remove the consequences and investi- Guard played an important role in saving Chairing a meeting at ually softening lockdown measures to pandemic, and in accordance with all its convenience for our people, especially gate the causes of the flood. lives and evacuating people. Today they Central Police Office overcome the difficult situation. Thanks requirements. farmers and entrepreneurs. Until all issues related to the restora- are widely occupied with emergency re- (CPO) here on Wednes- to the Almighty, the epidemiological sit- Now, taking advantage of the fact This year, the entire human race, includ- tion and repair of damaged housing, covery works. day, he directed for uation in Uzbekistan has currently been that the epidemiological situation has ing us, are tested for strength. Over the the return of people to their homes, Unfortunately, according to available effective policing meas- stabilizing. With each passing day, there changed for the better, we must grad- past week alone, our people have faced a assistance to them in establishing their data, 4 people died as a result of the nat- ures in the city and com- are more recovering patients that those ually weaken the lockdown regime in series of unexpected trials. You are well lives, restoring infrastructure, protect- ural disaster, 1 went missing. In particu- plete investigation of all sick. So are people leaving the quar- our economy. These restrictions have aware of the severe natural disaster that ing public health are resolved, all execu- lar, two officers of the National Guard pending cases including antine regime than those getting shut a huge negative impact on economic occurred on the night of April 27-28 in tives assigned to Syrdarya shall continue were carried away by a strong stream of of dacoities. The meet- down. As a result, out of 2,204 patients development and the life of the popu- the Bukhara region, especially in Alat working in emergency mode. water during the warning and rescue op- ing was attended among infected with coronavirus, 1,454 or 66 lation. In this respect, we have taken and Karakul districts. It impaired more The life of people in these areas should erations. They sacrificed their lives and others by DIG (Oper- percent of patients have fully recovered. the first steps to soften the quaran- than 38,000 homes, as well as 847 social not only be restored to its previous state, saved the lives of hundreds of people. ations) Waqar Uddin Syed, AIG (Operations) Kamran Adil, Zonal SPs and Additional SP. The IGP directed SPs Trump urges to visit the crime scene themselves and conduct investigation of high-pro- US to reopen file criminal cases under their own supervision by LONDON: President Don- of the tunnel, with stocks remaining in contact with ald Trump on Tuesday and oil prices rallying complainants or victims. made his first major foray Tuesday. out of the White House "We can't keep our coun- since the coronavirus try closed for the next Briefing lockdown began, pushing five years," Trump said on for the US economy to a trip to a mask-making held for reopen as Britain became factory in Arizona, con- the country with the sec- ceding that some people Tiger Force ond most deaths. would be "badly affected." The growing US death He urged US states to toll is already more than ease restrictions as he DNA 70,000 -- by far the high- attempts to fire up the est globally -- while Brit- world's biggest economy ATTOCK: A briefing ain's rose to 32,000, put- before the November session regarding the re- ting it above Italy in the presidential election, sponsibilities of the vol- grim ranking of national when the high death toll unteers of Prime Minis- fatalities. and millions of lost jobs ter’s Corona Relief Tiger Elsewhere in Europe, could cost him dearly. Force activities was held hard-hit Italy, Spain and The US registered 2,333 on Wednesday at District France have reported a more deaths over the Council Stadium. ISLAMABAD: DG ISI Lt. General Faiz Hameed in a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan. – DNA levelling off of figures, of- 24-hours to Tuesday Incharge District Emer- fering hope that life could evening, according to a gency Service (Rescue slowly start returning tally by Johns Hopkins 1122) Dr. Mian Muham- PM Egypt to normal. With experts University, with some mad Ashfaq welcomed all Finance Ministry, warning of a severe global scientific models suggest- the Tigers Force mem- stresses reopens recession, many govern- ing the figure will rise to bers and briefed them ments have been easing 3,000 a day by June. about the importance of slowly media’s SBP steps for SMEs stay-at-home measures in Countries are balancing First aid and the volun- a bid to revive badly ham- the need to revive stalled teers about their initial CAIRO: Egypt's economy key role cordingly, the Federal and small corporates with had just started to recover mered economies. economies against the responsibilities, duties in DNA Government has allocated sales turnover of upto Rs2 Financial markets hinted risk of a new wave of wake the spread of COV- after years of political tur- Rs30 billion under a cred- billion to avail financing un- moil and militant attacks at some light at the end deadly infections. ID-19. Assistant Commis- DNA ISLAMABAD: Taking cog- it risk sharing facility for der SBP refinance scheme. sioner Jannat Hussain, when the coronavirus cri- ISLAMABAD: Prime nizance of the SMEs find- the banks spread over four Under the SBP’s Refinance sis hit, impacting especial- Assistant Deputy Com- ing difficulties in arranging years to share the burden Scheme to Support Em- missioner finance Zagum Minister Imran Khan on ly its vital tourism sector. Wednesday stressing me- adequate collateral and of losses due to any bad ployment and Prevent Lay- Now President Abdel Fat- Govt allocates Rs Abbas and others officers banks’ risk averseness in loans in future. Under this off of Workers due to the attended the session. dia’s “key role in highlight- tah al-Sisi's government ing the Islamic history and taking exposures for such risk sharing arrangement, impact of COVID-19, busi- has loosened a strict cur- Incharge District Emer- lending under the SBPs Re- Federal Government will nesses that commit to not 30 bln for banks gency Service (Rescue culture” said delivering a few for the Muslim holy ISLAMABAD: The fed- ficulties in arranging message of humanity and finance Scheme to Support bear 40% first loss on prin- lay off workers in the next month of Ramadan in an 1122) Dr. Main Muham- Employment and Prevent cipal portion of disbursed three months can avail eral government on adequate collateral and mad Ashfaq while brief- care was need of the hour. effort to kickstart North Wednesday allocated banks’ risk adverseness In a meeting with Chairman Layoff of Workers, Minis- loan portfolio of the banks. credit through banks for Africa's largest economy. ing the volunteers said try of Finance has stepped This facility will incentivize the three months of wages Rs30 billion under a cred- in taking exposures for the biggest challenge Standing Committee on In- Having shuttered shops it risk sharing facility for such lending under the formation Broadcasting and forward to shoulder risk banks to extend loans to and salaries expenses at a and cafes in late March faced by the whole coun- sharing with banks. Ac- collateral deficient SMEs concessional mark up rate. the banks, spread over SBPs Refinance Scheme try today is to protect Heritage Senator Faisal and forced millions of civil four years, to share the to Support Employment people from the spread Javed Khan, the prime min- servants to stay home, it is burden of losses due to and Prevent Layoff of of Corona Virus, edu- ister said Islamic teachings slowly reversing some of any bad loans in future. Workers, Ministry of cating citizens to stay were based on principles of Virus cases in Russia on rise these measures, bringing The risk-sharing mech- Finance has stepped at home following pre- helping out the people in back many state workers anism has been intro- forward to shoulder risk cautionary measures need and distress. MOSCOW: Russia re- new hotspot for the virus with 1,537 deaths. and extending the trading duced by the Finance sharing with banks, said including social distanc- The meeting discussed co- corded more than and in recent days has The number of infections hours of shops and malls. Ministry and the State a press statement issued ing and making it a per- operation among Muslim 10,000 new coronavirus been recording the high- in Russia has been rising The blessing for the Bank of Pakistan (SBP) by the ministry. manent feature of their countries on promotion in cases for the fourth day est number of new infec- by more than 10,000 a day emerging economy of to support bank lending Under this risk sharing daily routine life. the fields of culture, heritage in a row on Wednesday, tions in Europe. since Sunday, in contrast more than 100 million to SMEs and small busi- arrangement, the federal and fine arts. Imran Khan surpassing Germany Health officials on to countries in western people, experts say, is that nesses to avail SBP’s Re- government would bear said Pakistani nationals, to become the country Wednesday reported Europe who are taking activity has kept ticking finance Facility to Sup- 40% first loss on princi- Traders from anywhere in the world, with the sixth-highest 10,559 new cases over steps to ease lockdown over in agriculture and port Employment. pal portion of disbursed always supported the peo- number of confirmed in- the last 24 hours, bring- measures after their rates construction, and espe- Taking cognizance of loan portfolio of the protest ple in their homeland facing fections. ing the total number of of new cases and deaths cially in the vast informal the SMEs finding dif- banks. – APP against problems and challenges. Russia has emerged as a infections to 165,929, dropped. – APP sector. – APP lockdown

DNA Pak students in Wuhan celebrate easing of lockdown ATTOCK: Traders of perience for the students living back seat,” said Baloch. are now thankful for not being struggle against the coronavirus completely dependent on the uni- Bazaar took out protest DNA in Wuhan, which caused some, “We still do not have permis- evacuated. “Ever since we heard as officials reported that the city versity to fulfil all of our needs, against the lockdown according to Nadeem Baloch, a sion to travel outside of campus that there were zero new cases in no longer had any Covid-19 pa- including arranging our meals the government has BEIJING: Pakistani students MPhil student to become victims grounds, but that is hardly an Wuhan — which was once the epi- tients in hospitals. According to and water. But now we are able to imposed to prevent the in Wuhan studying in Central of depression. inconvenience; almost all things centre of the outbreak — students the South China Morning Post, order food online.” spread of coronavirus China Normal University cel- “We were prohibited from visit- are easily available within the var- have heaved a sigh of relief. the announcement came a day According to Bajwa, life post-lock- disease (Covid-19). ebrated easing of lockdown ing each other’s rooms and not sity’s premises.” “They are thankful they did not after the city discharged its last down has marked a new begin- The protestors demand- restrictions by having a dinner allowed to cook. The university’s Despite being confined to their return to Pakistan where the situ- critical patient. ning for Pakistani students living ed immediate lifting of together. The epicentre of the administration used to cater to universities, students are over- ation is worsening day by day,” he In the downtown city area, streets in Wuhan who have emerged on lockdown in the Pindi coronavirus outbreak — the our needs by delivering items to joyed at finally being able to inter- said. “The Chinese government are slowly becoming alive with the the other side of what he called Gheb area as more than Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei our doorstep, urging us to refrain act with one another. “Compared has taken care of Pakistani stu- buzz and chatter of citizens slowly “the darkest night”. Approximate- a month long lockdown province — began easing lock- from venturing outside.” to the last few months, we can at dents as if they are our own,” said slipping back into their pre-pan- ly 500 students from Pakistan are has impoverished them. down restrictions towards the At the very beginning of the out- least sit down together for one- Peng Zhengwu, the deputy consul demic routines. Hamza Bajwa, a currently enrolled in different uni- Traders Association end of March. break in Wuhan, the gravity of and-a-half-hour while having our general at the Chinese Consulate, civil engineering student at Wu- versities across the city. Since the representative Imran According to Gwadar Pro, the the situation coupled with fear meals,” said Ali Nagri, a PhD Lahore. “They are being provided han University, explained that the outbreak began, students have while addressing the celebration, however, adhered to and anxiety had led many to urge student of international relations all facilities at their doorsteps.” varsity administration had given received financial assistance from protestors said that strict social distancing measures the government to repatriate the studying at Wuhan University. He said that life in Wuhan was students a digital pass to move the government which has been they had no other al- and other preventive steps. “Even stranded students. We gather together for sehri and slowly creeping towards business freely within campus grounds. directly transferred to their bank ternative left but to while celebrating, we were wary But with the passage of time and iftar and also offer our prayers as usual step by step. “We are in “University officials can scan the accounts. reopen their business enough to observe precautionary a better understanding of the situ- together, he said, adding that the close contact with the Pakistani pass, dubbed the ‘Green Code’, “The nightmare is almost over. as government has not measures,” a student said. ation, that argument has also died Middle Eastern store within cam- students and hope they are able to get an update about students Students are free to play sports paid them single rupee The entire ordeal — from the vi- down. pus grounds provides them ac- to complete their studies,” he leaving and entering hostels and exercise within the campus. in relief. rus emerging to restrictions on “Since the lockdown has lifted, cess to halal food options. Accord- said. On April 26, Wuhan achieved and check their health,” he said. Our student life is slowly inching movement — was a traumatic ex- talks of evacuation have taken a ing to Nagri, Pakistani students a milestone in its months-long “Initially, it was tough. We were its way back to normal.

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