Volume X, Issue-12, December 2020

December in History Pakistan’s standing in the global rankings December 24, 1952: Overview UN Security Council adopts the Anglo- = American Resolution on Kashmir m~âáëí~å = çÄëÉêîÉÇ=~=ëäáÖÜí=áãéêçîÉãÉåí=áå=íÜÉ=çîÉê~ää=áåíÉêå~íáçå~ä=ê~åâáåÖë=áå=OMNU=ÅçîÉêáåÖ=ëçÅáçJÉÅçåçãáÅ=~åÇ======urging immediate demilitarization talks éçäáíáÅ~ä=çìíÅçãÉë=çÑ=íÜÉ=ÅçìåíêóK=pÉîÉê~ä=ÉäÉãÉåíë=ÅçãéäÉãÉåíÉÇ=íÜÉ=éêçëéÉÅíë=áåÅäìÇáåÖ=ëìÅÅÉëëÑìä=ÇÉãçÅê~íáÅ======between India, Pakistan. íê~åëáíáçåIÉÑÑáÅáÉåí=ÅçìåíÉêJíÉêêçêáëã=ãÉ~ëìêÉë=äÉ~ÇáåÖ=íç=ÉåÜ~åÅÉÇ=éÉ~ÅÉ=~åÇ=ëÉÅìêáíóI=~åÇ=ÑçêÉáÖå=ÇáêÉÅí=áåîÉëíãÉåí= áåÑäçïë=ìåÇÉê=`mb`I=~ãçåÖ=çíÜÉêëK=^äÄÉáíI=ÇÉÅçìéäáåÖ=ÉÅçåçãáÅ=ÖêçïíÜ=Ñêçã=Üìã~å=ÇÉîÉäçéãÉåí=ëìÖÖÉëíë=íÜ~í=íÜÉ= December 31, 1952: Åçìåíêó=åÉÉÇë=íç=ÉåÜ~åÅÉ=áíë=ëÅçêÉë=áå=ÜÉ~äíÜI=ÉÇìÅ~íáçå=~åÇ=ëí~åÇ~êÇ=çÑ=äáîáåÖ=Äó=ÉåëìêáåÖ=éçäáíáÅ~ä=ïáääI=Éèìáí~ÄäÉ======Pakistan National Scouts instituted. Ñáå~åÅáåÖ=~åÇ=ÉÑÑáÅáÉåí=ÖçîÉêå~åÅÉ=íç=ÉåëìêÉ=é~ê~ääÉä=ÖêçïíÜ=Ñçê=ã~êÖáå~äáòÉÇ=ëÉÖãÉåíë=~ë=ïÉääK=`áîáä=~åÇ=éçäáíáÅ~ä======äáÄÉêíáÉë=ãìëí=Öêçï=Ü~åÇ=áå=Ü~åÇ=íç=ÉåëìêÉ=~=ÅçåÇìÅáîÉ=ÉåîáêçåãÉåí=Ñçê=ÇÉãçÅê~íáÅ=Çá~äçÖìÉ=~åÇ=~ÅÅçìåí~Äáäáíó=ïÜáÅÜ= December 22, 1957: ìäíáã~íÉäó=ëìééçêíë=áíë=å~íáçå=ÄìáäÇáåÖ=éêçÅÉëëK==

Malik Feroz Khan Noon is sworn in as DEMOCRACY INDEX seventh Prime Minister of Pakistan. = December 7, 1970: m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=NNOíÜ=çìí=çÑ=NST=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=aÉãçÅê~Åó=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ== QKNT=çìí=çÑ=NM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ First General elections held. Awami = =íç=QKOS=áå=OMNTK=== fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=E~ìíÜçêáí~êá~å=êÉÖáãÉ League and Pakistan People Party = F=íç=NM=EÑìää=ÇÉãçÅê~ÅóF= emerge as leading parties in East and `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖW=bäÉÅíçê~ä=éêçÅÉëë=~åÇ=éäìê~äáëãI=`áîáä=äáÄÉêíáÉëI== West Pakistan. cìåÅíáçåáåÖ=çÑ=ÖçîÉêåãÉåíI=mçäáíáÅ~ä=é~êíáÅáé~íáçåI=~åÇ=mçäáíáÅ~ä=ÅìäíìêÉK== = December 19, 1970: HUMAN DEVELOPMENT INDEX= Pakistan wins gold medal in Asian = Games hockey, beating India 1-0. m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=NRMíÜ=çìí=çÑ=NUV=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=eìã~å=aÉîÉäçéãÉåí=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ== MKRSO=çìí=çÑ=NKMMM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ = =íç=MKRSM=çìí=çÑ=NKMMM=áå=OMNTK=== December 20, 1971: fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=Eäçï=ÇÉîÉäçéãÉåíF=íç=N=EîÉêó=ÜáÖÜ=ÇÉîÉäçéãÉåíF= General Yahya Khan hands over power = `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖW=äáÑÉ=ÉñéÉÅí~åÅóI=ÉÇìÅ~íáçåI=~åÇ=éÉê=Å~éáí~=áåÅçãÉ= to Z. A. Bhutto, who takes over as = President and Chief Mar- tial Law PRESS FREEDOM INDEX Administrator. = December 30, 1973: m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=NPVíÜ=çìí=çÑ=NUM=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=mêÉëë=cêÉÉÇçã=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ== QPKOQ=çìí=çÑ=NMM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ Z. A. Bhutto lays foundation stone of = =íç=QPKRR=áå=OMNTK=== fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=Eãçëí=éêÉëë=ÑêÉÉÇçã Pakistan Steel Mills. = F=íç=NMM=EäÉ~ëí=éêÉëë=ÑêÉÉÇçãF== `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖW=éäìê~äáëãI=ãÉÇá~=áåÇÉéÉåÇÉåÅÉI=ÉåîáêçåãÉåí== December 27, 1975: ~åÇ=ëÉäÑJÅÉåëçêëÜáéI=äÉÖáëä~íáîÉ=Ñê~ãÉïçêâI=íê~åëé~êÉåÅóI=~åÇ=áåÑê~ëíêìÅíìêÉK== 1976 is declared Quaid's Century year. = TERRORISM INDEX December 31, 1985: = Martial Law is lifted, amended 1973 m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=RíÜ=çìí=çÑ=NSP=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=qÉêêçêáëã=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ= =UKNU=çìí=çÑ=NM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ Constitution revived. = =íç=UKQM=áå=OMNTK=== fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=EäçïÉëí=áãé~Åí = F=íç=NM=EÜáÖÜÉëí=áãé~ÅíF= December 2, 1988: `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖ=W=qçí~ä=åìãÄÉê=çÑ=íÉêêçêáëí=áåÅáÇÉåíë=áå=~=ÖáîÉå=óÉ~êI=íçí~ä=åìãÄÉê=çÑ== Benazir Bhutto is sworn in as first Ñ~í~äáíáÉë=Å~ìëÉÇ=Äó=íÉêêçêáëã=áå=~=ÖáîÉå=óÉ~êI=íçí~ä=åìãÄÉê=çÑ=áåàìêáÉë=Å~ìëÉÇÄó=íÉêêçêáëã=áå=~=ÖáîÉå=óÉ~ê== woman Prime Minister of Pakistan. ~åÇ=íÜÉ=~ééêçñáã~íÉ=äÉîÉä=çÑ=íçí~ä=éêçéÉêíó=Ç~ã~ÖÉ=Ñêçã=íÉêêçêáëí=áåÅáÇÉåíë=áå=~=ÖáîÉå=óÉ~êK=

December 12, 1990: ECONOMIC FREEDOM INDEX Pakistan becomes 37th country to send = expedition to Antarctica. m~âáëí~å=ê~åâÉÇ=NPNëí=çìí=çÑ=NUM=ÅçìåíêáÉë=áå=íÜÉ=bÅçåçãáÅ=cêÉÉÇçã=fåÇÉñ=ëÅçêáåÖ== RQKQ=çìí=çÑ=NMM=áå=OMNU=Åçãé~êÉÇ = =íç=ROKU=çìí=çÑ=NMM=áå=OMNTK=== December 4, 1994: fåÇÉñ=Ñêçã=M=EêÉéêÉëëÉÇF=íç=NMM=EÑêÉÉF= Pakistan regains World Hockey = Championship title after 12 years, `çãéáäÉÇ=Ä~ëÉÇ=çå=áåÇáÅ~íçêë=ÅçîÉêáåÖW=j~êâÉí=çéÉååÉëëI=oÉÖìä~íçêó=ÉÑÑáÅáÉåÅóI== beating Holand 4-3. dçîÉêåãÉåí=ëáòÉ=~åÇ=íÜÉ=êìäÉ=çÑ=ä~ïK=

Positive Post is a strategic effort to project achievement and contributions of Pakistan. While showcasing Greenwich University’s cultural diplomacy initiatives, it also encapsulates a compilation of different developments complementing Pakistan’s socio-cultural, economic and Political outcomes. Google pays tribute to Bano Qudsia Exclusive: Stunt biker Marina Syed’s journey on 92nd birthday to the big screen

Google is celebrating Pakistani Naam. novelist, playwright and spiritualist Bano Qudsia’s 92nd Birthday, on Qudsia graduated from the Saturday with a doodle. Kinnaird College in Lahore and then joined the Government Soon after the September 9 injuries because no one taught me how Born on November 28, 1928 in College University (Lahore) gang-rape of a woman on the to do it,” she told SAMAA Digital.

Firozpur, British India, She was (GCU) to do her masters in Urdu Lahore-Sialkot Motorway, people Five months later, she travelled from popularly known as Bano Aapa, literature which she completed began victim blaming and said the to Kashmir on a 200cc which means Elder Sister. in 1951. woman shouldn’t have left her house motorcycle. “When my confidence at night. grew, I thought I should train other Renowned for her message of love She married writer Ashfaq Ahmed whom she had met at the Govern- Director Abu Aleeha’s response to girls as well.” and hope, Qudsia earned enormous ment College University in Lahore. those people is his newest project acclaim for Urdu classics like So how did she reach the silver The couple was considered insepa- Sheenogai. her television play Aadhi Baat and screen? According to Syed, one of her novel Raja Gidh. rable in their social lives. The film has been written and di- students was a make-up artist and

She was awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz in rected by Abu Aleeha and stars new- recommended her name for the film. She wrote 25 novels and founded 1983 and Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2000 comer Marina Syed, who rose to her own magazine called “She told me that I just had to ride for her literary achievements fame as a stunt biker. Dastango. Some of her famous sto- a motorcycle in the film,” Syed said, ries include Aatish-i-Zer-i-Paa, Bano Qudsia died at the age of 88 She is a member of an all women adding that she made it clear she Aik Din, Amer Bail, Asay Pasay, on February 4, 2017, at the Ittefaq biker club in Karachi called Rowdy didn’t know how to act. “I didn’t Chahar Chaman, Chotaa Sheher Hospital in Lahore. Riders, where she teaches women know what to do, but when I read Baray Log, Footpath ki Ghaas, Courtesy: Saama how to ride motorcycles. the script, I realised that if I had to Haasil Ghaat, and Hawa Kay do it, I would have to understand the Her biking journey began in 2017, character,” she explained. Sindh increases total marks for matric when she bought her first scooter on installments. She faced fierce oppo- Abu Aleeha and the film crew board exams to 1,100 sition from her family, who sold the worked tirelessly for a month to bike. She had to pay Rs30,000 to make Syed understand the intrica- buy it back. cies of acting.

Syed then learnt to ride motorcycles In this video, Syed talks in detail without an instructor. “I have about her journey from biking to experienced so many physical being a movie star. Courtesy: Saama

The Sindh education board has the matric board chairman, the increased the total marks for ninth model papers will help students and and matric exams to 1,100 from teachers in the preparation of exams. 850. The papers have been prepared after consultations with senior private There will be 550 marks for each and government school teachers. grade now. The new policy will be applicable for The matric board’s research scheme ninth grade from 2021, and from of studies has prepared the model 2022 for 10th grade. papers for both grades. According to Courtesy: Saam 2 Pakistani author explores types of trauma in new book

The lack of conversation in society prose with discussions between two holds the power he once cherished. about people’s fears, realities, past characters. Samejo believes that this experiences, and mental health has style of prose is what makes the Talking about the publishing indus- inspired a Pakistani author to book different. try in Pakistan, Samejo said that as explore the topic in his new book, far as fiction is concerned, making a Damaged. It features 30 characters that have career out of it is difficult, but not been given the same amount of time impossible. The 200-page anthology is an hon- and space to convey their stories. est conversation about how our These characters could be your next- “Publishers hardly consider new au- traumas never really escape us. “The door neighbour, a morning show thors even when they have a com- fact that we don’t have conversations host, or a man you saw sitting in a pelling story,” he said. “Having about our traumas is what inspired café, with their own ways of coping yourself an audience at hand may me to write these stories,” said with the damage. There are no right lead to publishers to notice your po- Muhammad Ali Samejo while solutions, but only the best deci- tential.” speaking to SAMAA Digital. “We sions, the author said. don’t talk about our fears, truths, and He advised aspiring writers to create what has scarred our lives.” fears. “The book has a lot to do with The harrowing and life-changing their Facebook and Instagram pages trauma,” he remarked. “Some conversations between the charac- to share their work and reach as He remarked that people who are characters in the book are victims ters may be fictional but are many people as possible. depressed often seek an escape but- and others terrible, shallow humans grounded in reality. ton and remain guarded about their who don’t realise how destructive Samejo is an English-language in- experiences. They don’t want to talk their intentions are.” The first story, titled Power, will in- structor at Berlitz Pakistan. He was about what’s depressing them. “You troduce you to a psychopath who the head of English Prose at Pak- cannot know you are feeling a The book can be ordered online on preys upon helpless women and istan Bloggers, Writers, Readers and certain way until you start talking Auraq Publications or Amazon in- keeps an album of his ‘conquests’. Poets, where he has been sharing about it.” ternationally. It costs Rs900. But now he stands face-to-face with stories from his soon to be com- the person whose life he ruined, and pleted novels The Legends of With Damaged, Samejo hopes that In all the 15 short stories, the author realises only towards the end of Karachi and The Darkly Tales. people are able to confront their explores the conversational style of their conversation that he no longer Courtesy: Saama

81 Pakistanis Among World’s Top 2% Scientists

Eighty one (81) Pakistani academ- Mohammed Farooq. ics have figured in the list of the world’s top two per cent scientists UoH Vice Chancellor Prof Gilani in a global list issued by the United is the only serving VC in Pakistan States’ Stanford University. The who has appeared in this list and global list, compiled by Prof John who has been conferred three civil Ioannidis and his team, carries awards including Hilal-i-Imtiaz. names of 159,683 people from all scientific disciplines. Three professors of the University of Punjab also figure in the list. All these authors have been selected on the basis of an international These are Prof Dr Muhammad evaluation of their research papers Sharif of Nuclear and Particle and classified based on career-long Physics, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood citation impact until the end of of Economics and Management 2019 as well as for their citation im- Sciences and Prof Dr Muhammad pact in a single year (2019). Akram of Artificial Intelligence. (QAU) have figured among the top Malik of Environment Sciences. Eighty one (81) Pakistani scientists two per cent researchers. Five scien- Talking to APP, QAU Academic have figured in the list for their tists from the University of Haripur The other names include Rashid Staff Association General Secretary career-long citation impact while (UoH), including its vice chancellor, Khan of Biochemistry, Masood Prof Dr Bilal Abbasi, whose name 243 Pakistani scientists have been are also included in the list. Khan of Mathematics, Afzal Shah is also included in the list, said it is included for citation impact in a and Aamer Saeed of Chemistry and an honour for the entire country single year. A report on this list has The QAU academics whose names Abdul Haq of Statistics. that a number of Pakistani scientists been recently published in PLOS have appeared in the list include working in different universities Biology. Prof Bilal Haider Abbasi of The UoH academics who figure in have been named in top two Biotechnology, Zabta Khan the list include UoH Vice Chancel - percent scientists across the globe. As many as 11 teachers of Islam- Shinwari and Mushtaq Ahmad of lor Prof Dr Anwar-ul-Hassan Gi- Courtesy:The Express Tribune abad’s Quaid-i-Azam University Plant Sciences, Amir Ali Shah of lani, Dr Khalid Zaman, Dr Microbiology and Riffle Nasim Hashim, Dr Shah Fahad and Dr 3 UNDP, Jazz to Work Together for Promoting Youth-Led Social Innovation in Pakistan

The United Nations Development startup ecosystem and provide Programme (UNDP) Pakistan and young people with opportunities to Jazz have signed a funding agree- lead societal change and increase ment worth USD 400,000 to pro- employment avenues.” mote youth-led social innovation in Pakistan through a series of SDG This partnership is aligned with Bootcamps across the country. Pakistan’s 2025 Vision with Jazz continuing its commitment to de- The training bootcamps will engage veloping digital skills and literacy 800 social entrepreneurs in Punjab, among the youth. Sindh, , Balochistan, and ICT/GB/AJK. UNDP, through its Kamyab Jawan Given the current COVID-19 cri- –Youth Empowerment Programme, sis, one of the key focus areas will is supporting the Government in be to find innovative solutions to istan as it creates employment, According to Syed Fakhar Ahmed, developing innovative and sustain- address the challenges posed by the addresses societal issues and con- Chief Corporate & Regulatory Af- able entry points for social engage- pandemic. The most promising so- tributes towards the achievement of fairs Officer at Jazz, “Jazz supports ment and economic empowerment cial venture ideas will be provided Sustainable Development Goals. various sustainable initiatives to of young Pakistanis. One of the key seed money to start their initiatives. The partnership between UNDP strengthen the digital ecosystem components of the Programme is to During the event, Amir Goraya, and Jazz presents an exciting op- and empower young people to support youth entrepreneurship Assistant Resident Representative portunity to promote economic make a positive difference through which not only empowers young of Crisis Prevention and Recovery empowerment of vulnerable youth. increased access to education, digi- people economically, but also spurs Unit, UNDP Pakistan, said, “There Together, we will facilitate young tal skills and social entrepreneur- change and ensures inclusive devel- is a need to enhance the ecosystem entrepreneurs to enter this space ship. Through this initiative, we are opment of the country. of social entrepreneurship in Pak- and launch their creative ideas.” aiming to further strengthen the Courtesy:Pro Pakistan Pakistani star Urwa Hocane And Mikaal Zulfiqar Looking Absolutely Gorgeous in Mughal era bridal outfit then, luckily, she started getting bridal outfit is going viral on social work in films. And her younger sis- media. You will definitely appreciate ter Mawra Hocane is also consid- seeing a new concept. So let’s take a ered one of the top actresses. look at some of the highlights of the photoshoot. Urwa Hocane and Mikaal Zulfiqar’s Courtesy:ShowBiz Pakistan photoshoot for Fahad Hussyn’s new

or some days now, news has been she is 29 years old. On the other circulating on social media that hand, she has taken a break from Urwa Hocane and Farhan Saeed working in dramas and is currently parted ways. But the couple has nei- busy producing her own film. And ther confirmed nor denied the news. even after 3 years of marriage, she is People are shocked when they hear deprived of the blessing of children. this sudden news. Urwa Hocane started her acting career by hosting. And then she If we talk about her age at that time, started getting work in dramas. And

4 PAF launches serial production of latest JF-17 Thunder Block III

The (PAF) on Wednesday formally announced se- rial production of the most ad- vanced variant of JF-17 Thunder Block III – a 4.5-generation aircraft with far more advanced technology than IAF’s Rafael jets.

A ceremony at the Pakistan Aero- nautical Complex, Kamra also wit- nessed the handing over of 14 state-of-the-art indigenously devel- oped dual seater JF-17B Thunder Block-II fighter jets to the air force. On the other hand, Pakistan Navy Air Defence Units demonstrated their combat readiness through live firing of surface to air missiles (SAMs). the entire team and PAC leadership enemy with a crushing response,” long range superior radar system Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief including chairman PAC and Man- the air chief expressed his resolve. and advanced precise firing weapon Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, aging Director AMF for their con- that gave it a cutting edge over IAF- while addressing the handing over certed efforts to meet the project PAC Chairman Air Marshal Syed acquired Rafael jets’ famous vast the ceremony of the newly-built deadlines.” PAC, he said, was the Nauman Ali briefed the participants range to detect airborne targets. dual seater JF-17B Thunder jets backbone of PAF operational readi- over the project details and high- here at the Pakistan Aeronautical ness and had displayed their capa- lighted that JF-17 Thunder would The Chinese Aviation industry rep- Complex (PAC) Kamra, termed the bilities to meet challenges with be the shining symbol of coopera- resentatives addressed the ceremony inclusion of jets in national fleet as limited resources at the optimum tion between Pakistan and China. via video messages and PAC school- a significant milestone achieved in level. He said due to COVID-19 lock- children also presented a national the history of the country. down in PAC, technicians and ex- song whereas the air chief visited The air chief also extended his grat- perts completed the project in due the facility and observed the newly He said the JF-17 Thunder was itude to Ministry of Defence Pro- time despite many odds where the built aircraft. proved as a battle tested aircraft dur- duction and Chinese Aviation Chinese experts supported extraor- ing successful expression of mastery Industry for their continuous sup- dinarily PAC for meeting the pro- Meanwhile, in an impressive display in Operation Swift Retort against port. gramme targets. Air Marshal of firepower, Pakistan Navy Air De- IAF intrusion of territorial sover- Nauman resolved that the PAC fence Units demonstrated their eignty on February 27, 2019. “The dual seat version of JF-17B would stand committed to fulfill the combat readiness through live firing and the production of Block-III sacred duty of augmenting fighting of surface to air missiles (SAMs). The ceremony also marked the an- marks the achievement of a signifi- force and strength to defend the nouncement of serial production of cant milestone as it will play an im- country’s aerial sovereignty. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral PAF’s most advanced 4.5 generation portant and significant role in Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, JF-17 Thunder Block III jets.The air geostrategic milieu due to the tech- Speaking on the occasion, Chinese who was also present, expressed his chief commended the in-time com- nology installed in the modern air- Ambassador Nong Rong said that complete satisfaction on the opera- pletion of the project by the Aircraft craft.” He mentioned that the PAC’s successful acquiring of the tional readiness of Pakistan Navy Manufacturing Factory (AMF) project’s completion was not possi- capacity to build JF-17B Thunder and its preparedness to defend the team of the PAC involved in the de- ble without the assistance of Chi- Block-III aircraft has set up a per- national maritime interests. During velopment of the advance genera- nese experts, engineers and fect model of Pak-China friendship. the Live Weapon Firing, the tion of the dual seater JF-17B technicians and this project had fur- “Pakistan has become self-sufficient launched missiles successfully en- Thunder and Block-III jets version. ther solidified the Pak-China in developing JF-17 Thunder and an gaged the intended targets, the “The year of 2019 has been very friendship and bilateral defence ties. advance fighter aircraft producing spokesman of Pakistan Navy said. challenging due to the COVID-19 The air chief acknowledged the role country in the world. JF-17 Thunder pandemic as it disturbed life all over of media at all levels including print, has finally become the backbone of He said that successful firings had the world. It also inflicted serious electronic and social media for high- Pakistan’s defence.” He hoped that re-affirmed Pakistan Navy’s war impacts on the PAC project of JF- lighting Pak-China friendship and it would further strengthen the de- fighting capability and combat po- 17B Thunder Block-III as the entire collaboration under CPEC and JF- fence ties between Pakistan and tential. The naval chief commended complex has remained under lock- 17B Thunder production. He urged China. “Pakistan and China’s close the officers and men for their com- down.” the media to further promote the collaboration will bring more suc- mitment and professionalism. He Pak-China ties and collaboration in cess in the future.” emphasised on continued vigilance Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar a positive manner. to thwart any aggression against the proudly said that PAC Kamra had The PAC has developed the capacity sea frontiers and provide a befitting upheld its traditions despite the “PAF has demonstrated its capabil- to produce advance 4.5 generation response to any misadventure by the most challenging times of the pan- ities time and again and is ever ready JF-17B Thunder Block-III jets. The adversary. demic. “I would like to commend to thwart any aggression of the latest JF-17B was equipped with Courtesy:The News

5 Half of revenue being used for debt $10m for Pakistan ‘gender programs’? ‘America First’ repayment trends in furious response to pork-filled Covid ‘relief ’ bill

The text of the latest COVID-19 coronavirus vaccine distribution and stimulus bill has been posted and Paycheck Protection Program Americans are noticing more than (PPP) loans, there is an eye-pop- Prime Minister Imran Khan on when corrupt rule the country, the just the small portion that bestows ping array of outrageous spending – Sunday said the government has entire system under which peoples’ them with $600 checks.In fact, the and funding to other nations.From very little left to spend on the people needs should be served is destroyed. long-awaited and much-demanded climate change to horse racing, because the half of revenue He said, if we don’t punish such stimulus checks, to help Americans Congress has left no pork behind in collections is being used for debt people, what kind of examples we deal with the pandemic’s economic the massive 5,593-page document repayment. In a Facebook post, are setting for our children. effects, make up a drop in the pork- that makes the $600 stimulus the Prime Minister said he is well Courtesy:The Nation filled bucket of taxpayer-funded checks, versus the $1,200 checks in aware of the needs of the people but handouts. Along with funding for the initial Heralding a next generation of rule of law reforms through the roadmap in Balochistan

December 2020 - Quetta, Pakistan: of the GoB in making the rule of UNODC is privileged to build on law reforms meaningful and its strategic partnership with the sustainable. provincial Government of Balochistan through the generous The findings of the impact survey support of the British High on citizens’ perception and baseline Commission, which has offered the data were presented during the impetus to take forward the next meeting. They provide a yardstick generation of rule of law reforms for criminal justice institutions to through the implementation of the measure their performance and Rule of Law (RoL) Roadmap in progress against the RoL roadmap’s Balochistan. The Project is designed provincial targets. with the vision of bringing the platform to align the work and tum and urged the stakeholders, criminal justice institutions in enhance performance of Criminal through the platform of the Steer- In short, the Rule of Law Roadmap Balochistan at par with the global Justice Institutions through apply- ing Committee, to continue main- has made tremendous strides and best practices. ing a results-based approach based taining a forward-looking approach with the successful conclusion of on evidence to inform policy deci- to deliver this exemplary project the 4th stock taking and realization The phenomenal progress made by sions. Driven by this concept, which has been a source of learning of PC1, the seeds are planted for the RoL Roadmap Project in the UNODC has offered technical for other provincial rule of law setting the course of the criminal most fragile and conflict-sensitive support to the GoB, working in roadmap chapters. Mr. Ziaullah justice sector along a transformative province of Pakistan was close collaboration with the Home Langove, Minister Home & Tribal journey of evidence-led policymak- unanimously recognized in the 4th Office in Balochistan to establish Affairs, reiterated the commitment ing and service delivery. Steering Committee stock take the governance structure, which Courtesy:www.unodc.org held in Quetta on 16 December comprises of the Steering Commit- 2020. With the PC-1 in place, the tee (SC), Delivery Unit (DU) and Rule of Law Roadmap received the Technical Working Groups accolades of appreciation from (TWGs). This ensures robust stakeholders, acknowledging it as management of interdependencies the flagship Project of the Govern- amongst CJIs through cultivating ment of Balochistan (Gob) that en- a collaborative mindset for policy- joys a high-level commitment by making and interdepartmental co- the political and administrative operation to deliver efficient and leadership through the allocation of effective services to citizens. PKR 300 million in the current fiscal year for its implementation. UNODC’s Representative, Jeremy The roadmap offers a governance Milsom appreciated the momen- 6 Mahira Khan and Marina Khan's message this wedding season has our hearts "There is a line I wrote which That sums up what we wanted to Marina delivers: today the heart say this Mashaadi," she added, as finally allowed me to live. That sums the video celebrated love and union up what we wanted to say." in all its glory.

'There is a right time and a certain Like us, many took to appreciate age for marriage.' the refreshing concept, admiring the simplicity of how it was done Such is the idea we've heard most with very little words, yet, with so of the people in our society preach. much ease. Marry early, so you can adjust in a new family. Marry young, to The video has been directed by safeguard your deteriorating beauty. Shehrazade Sheikh and styled by Nevertheless, marry in and around Maha Rizvi, and the beautiful out- your 20s. fits were courtesy Sania Maskatiya with Ali Javeri responsible for the However, Mahira Khan doesn't traditional jewellery, local brand seem to agree. This winter season Miaasa for the shoes.

(or wedding season in Pakistan, as Music for the video was done by we call it), the Raees superstar Azaan Sami Khan. collaborated with the Dhoop Kinare legend Marina Khan to Celebrating love, loneliness, togeth- refresh our memories with the erness, support and most impor- concept of companionship one that tantly, the reversal of roles filled transgresses all barriers of age and with courage, we can't help but time. choices it makes," said the Humsa- "There is a line I wrote which Ma- far star, as she went on to post the rina delivers: Aaj is dil ne mujhe surely agree, this was a beautiful concept giving us the reminder we "I hope you all enjoy this I hope we two-minute clip of the festivity, jeenay ki ijaazat de di (today, the having us all warm and fuzzy. heart finally allowed me to live). collectively need: "celebrate choice". can all celebrate our hearts and the Courtesy:Image.dawn.com Welcoming a New Year at an Ancient Festival China to provide 1M+ doses of virus in Pakistan vaccine to Pakistan Chawmos, a festival of Pakistan’s tiny Kalash community, is a portrait in contrasts: solemn ritual and joy- ous dancing, gender segregation and public flirtation, togetherness and isolation.

Members of the Kalash, a polythe- ist community of 4,000, dancing and singing during Chawmos, a The two-week festival is a portrait New Year festival, in Balanguru, a in contrasts: snow and fire, solemn China assured Pakistan that Beijing one million doses of the vaccine to village in Pakistan’s Rumbur Valley. ritual and frenzied activity, gender will provide more than one million Pakistan for emergency use. segregation and public flirtation, doses of COVID-19 vaccine to RUMBUR, Pakistan In a remote community and isolation. Islamabad for emergency use. Earlier Thursday, Pakistan govern- valley in northern Pakistan, ment decided to purchase 1.2 mil- hemmed in by sheer rock walls and While the coronavirus has forced This came in a phone talk between lion doses of the COVID-19 high pastures, members of a tiny the world to adopt social distanc- Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah vaccine from Chinese state-owned community gathered. ing, the Kalash have practiced Mahmood Qureshi and his Chi- company Sinopharm. being a community in isolation for nese counterpart Wang Yi, accord- The Kalash are a group of about millenniums. ing to a statement by Pakistan’s The two foreign ministers also dis- 4,000 people who live in the Foreign Ministry. cussed the regional security, bilat- mountains of the Hindu Kush, The Kalash, whose wooden houses eral issues including progress of where they practice an ancient cling to the craggy hillsides of three Qureshi said that Pakistan had ap- multi-billion China Pakistan Eco- polytheistic faith. Each year, they valleys in Pakistan’s often unruly proved Sinopharm vaccine for nomic Corridor (CPEC). come together for Chawmos, a northwest, are the country’s small- emergency use in Pakistan and ex- New Year festival that coincides est minority group. The over- pressed hope for its early availabil- Wang also extended an invitation with the winter solstice and is whelming majority of Pakistan’s ity from China. to Qureshi to visit China at his marked by dance, animal sacrifice more than 200 million people prac- earliest convenience, which the lat- and highly prescribed roles for men tice Islam. Responding to Qureshi, Wang said ter accepted. and women. Courtesy:New York Times China would work to provide over Courtesy:AsiaPacific

7 These Pakistanis are on Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars list

It says that Mahira uses her Insta- gram and Facebook accounts to raise awareness about mental health issues, violence against women and breast cancer.

Aslam has been asking his fans in Pakistan to stay home to contain the COVID-19 spread. Forbes be- lieves that Aslam’s “Asma-ul- Husna” that he released in May revived hope during the pandemic. It has got over 22 million YouTube views.

On the other hand, 21-year-old Aiman is the most-followed Pak- istani celebrity on Instagram. She has nearly 8 million followers.

Indian celebrities that made to the list include Akshay Kumar, Shah Forbes Asia’s inaugural list of top The Forbes Asia’s 100 Digital Stars Forbes says that it spotlighted those Rukh Khan, Alia Bhatt, Amitabh celebrities across the Asia-Pacific list highlights singers, musicians, celebs who managed to remain ac- Bachan, Hrithik Roshan, Neha region includes Pakistani actors and film and TV stars who have tive using social media, interacted Kakkar, Shahid Kapoor, Madhuri Mahira Khan and Aiman Khan, garnered millions of followers with their fans, raised awareness Dixit, Katrina Kaif, Anushka and singer Atif Aslam. They have across their social media platforms, about the coronavirus outbreak and Sharma and Shreya Ghoshal. taken the digital world by storm. making them as famous online as inspired optimism. These individu- Courtesy:Samaa Advertisement they are on the stage or screen. als used their fame to help others.

Who was the most-searched person in Pakistan in 2020?

Pakistan searched the most for Much to our surprise, and the big cricket events in 2020, delight, when we explored which will go down in recent the No. 4 most-searched history as the most epic fail of keyword, Google Class- a year. As you already know, room, across Pakistan’s the number 2 most searched cities, it turned out to be: word on Google was the C Wah! This was followed by word (Hint: it is linked to vaccine). the kids in Bhangril, just at the edge of Islamabad. The Every year Uncle Google kids in Quetta searched for treats us to a snapshot of who Google Classroom the least. we are as Pakistan. He is too When Google put together miserly toactually give us real- data for Sindh’s cities, it time trending searches (more appears that this was important countries get the enough to rank it at the top privilege) but we can pull the region for this keyword top 10 by December when it search. releases the data. Courtesy:Samaa

Patron: Ms. Seema Mughal Greenwichians interested Vice Chancellor in contributions! Editor: Shoot an email to the editor, Dr Sabir Ahmed Pakistan - Mauritius including your name, Greenwich University, DK-10, 38th Street, Darakshan, Phase VI, Assistant Professor roll number and your work at Defence Housing Authority, Karachi-75500, Pakistan Graphics & Layout: [email protected] UAN: (021)111-202-303; Tel: (021) 35840397-98; Fax: (021)35851910 Shazia Anwar Email: [email protected] ; URL: www.greenwich.edu.pk