Leadership is inspiring extraor- dinary people to step up and serve their country.

President of CANADA

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F .theasiantelegraph.net OIC Group in New York Iran’s envoy calls for organized a high-level deepening economic, event to commemorate trade relations with “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” He called for availing these opportunities The OIC is now working with the inter- to increase the trade volume between national community to commemorate Pakistan and Iran this Day at the global level ISLAMABAD ISLAMABAD Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Iran in The OIC Group in New York organized a high-level Pakistan Mohammad Surkhabi here on Thursday event to commemorate “International Day to Combat stressed the need for further cementing bilateral trade, investment and cultural ties between Islamophobia” today. Following the tragic Christchurch both the countries which would be mutually terrorist attack two years ago, the Foreign Ministers to a delegation of the Federation of Pakistan as an international day to combat lslamophobia, says beneficialChamber of for Commerce the people and of twoIndustry counties. (FPCCI) Talking led ofa press the OIC release adopted today a resolution from New designating York. The high-level15 March by its Chairman Qurban Ali, Surkhabi extended full event was aimed at effectively raising awareness as cooperation of Iranian embassy and consulate to well as combating the rising phenomenon of lslamo- the Pakistani private sector for the promotion of phobia and anti-Muslim hatred. The President of the investment and trade relations between both the UN General Assembly, Secretary General of the United countries. He said relationship between Pakistan Nations, Assistant Secretary General of the OIC and the and Iran was of special importance and increased relations between the two countries would also UN High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations Working Class Housing Allotment Ceremony help in closer trade relations adding that the two (UNAOC) along with a number of Ministers and countries have a larger business markets, besides Permanent Representatives of the UN Member States PM reaffirms commitment to uplift, underprivileged geo-strategic competitive advantages.He called for in New York addressed the event. Addressing the availing these opportunities to increase the trade event, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, volume between Pakistan and Iran as both the , reiterated the call for resolute segments of society countries were tied with brotherly relationship action against racism, racial discrimination, xenopho- PM vows further consolidation of Pakistan’s long-standing fraternal ties with Kuwait and Iran was also willing to enhance the trade and bia, negative stereotyping and stigmatization including ISLAMABAD cultural ties by addressing the issues faced by the that the working and the salaried class could businessmen of both the countries. Islamophobia. He underlined that commemorating this Prime Minister has expressed the build their houses. Pakistan’s long-standing fraternal ties with Ku- day globally would raise international awareness about commitment to uplift the weak and underpriv- Speaking on the occasion, Qurban Ali said Pakistan Imran Khan said there is a boom in the con- Primewait, rooted Minister deep Imran in shared Khan faith has and reaffirmed culture. and Iran were neighboring, Islamic brotherly increasing Islamophobia. It would also serve to pro- ileged segments of the society. struction industry due to the incentives given Talking to Foreign Minister and Minister of He was addressing a ceremony in connection countries and strong economic relationship must mote the message of tolerance, peaceful co-existence, by the present government. He said this will State for Cabinet Affairs of Kuwait Dr. Ahmed be established between both the countries. He said interfaith and cultural harmony, sending out a strong not only lead to wealth creation but also pro- Nasser Al-Sabah who called on him in Islam- class under Naya Pakistan Housing Program. bilateral trade and economic cooperation between message of respect for human dignity for all. A number vide job opportunities to the youth. abad today (Thursday), he lauded the efforts Pakistan and Iran was very essential to boost the with allotment of houses and flats to working In his remarks, Special Assistant on Overseas on both sides to build an enhanced partner- of delegations, including the High Representative of the salaried class, workers and laborers to economy of both the countries. UN Alliance of Civilization, fully supported the deci- ship and underscored the imperative of forg- It was right time for both countries to make Theconstruct Prime or Minister purchase said a house it is very in the difficult cities due for phase of this project completed by Workers ing deeper economic, trade and investment sion by the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC to to soaring prices of land. He said the govern- progress on trade mechanisms to facilitate Zulfikar Bukhari said in the first cooperation. business community of both the country, he ment has started Naya Pakistan Housing Pro- been constructed. These are being given to the He also appreciated the two countries working gram with a new mindset to provide support to said adding that Pakistan and Iran should work Islamophobia” each year. It may be recalled that Prime Welfareworkers Fund,on the 1008 basis flats of proprietary and 500 houses rights. have He closely to ensure ease of travel and enhancing Minister Imran Khan has been the leading voice in rais- these segments of the society to own a house. together to develop a special mechanism. He urged designate 15 March as an “International Day to Combat people-to-people linkages. for opening bank branches at both side to enable ing awareness on the grave consequences of rising He pointed out that the government has intro- constructed. He said this project is the begin- The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s ef- duced a legislation under which the banks will business communities for making transaction to Islamophobia across the globe. VoM saidning inof theproviding next phase low cost 1504 and more affordable units will hous be- forts in support of the Afghan peace process increase trade. VoM es to the weak segments of the society. and stressed the importance of an inclusive, the construction of houses. He said the banks Later on, Prime Minister Imran Khan has ex- broad-based and comprehensive political so- providehave promised loans on to fiveset asidepercent 380 interest billion rate rupees for pressed the determination to take every pos- for this purpose. He directed the State Bank of sible measure to promote growth ratio and The Foreign Minister of Kuwait expressed his Pakistan to ensure that these loans are easily investment in the country. lution to the conflict in Afghanistan. - available to the people. He said these loans can He was chairing a review-meeting regarding be repaid over a period of twenty years. progress promotion of priority areas for eco- expressed thanks for Pakistan’s steadfast sup- The Prime Minister assured to allocate more country’s firm resolve to further expand co nomic stability and development in Islamabad operationport and noted with that Pakistan the two in diversecountries fields. always He funds for the housing program with the in- today (Thursday). crease in the revenue of the government so Islamabad Security Dialogue President asked stoodfor by eachCPEC other progress at difficult appraisaltimes. VoM Pakistan ready to resolve outstanding disputes with CPEC Parliamentary Committee Urges for radical measures to neighbors through dignified, peaceful manner: COAS timely completion of on-going projects and Kashmir for the resumption of dialogue process. save fishing resources 2000 investors to set up industrial htunkhwa Taimur Khan Jhagra and senior The Army Chief said Pakistan has learnt from the ISLAMABAD - The Army Chief said stable Indo-Pak rela- President Dr has asked the units in Rashakai SEZ tions are a key to unlock the untapped po- past and willing to move ahead towards a new fu- ISLAMABAD ernments. The meeting was briefed on the ture. However all this is contingent upon reciprocity. Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) A meeting of the parliamentary commit- officialsprogress ofof thework federal at the and SEZ. provincial The meeting gov tential of South and Central Asia by ensuring The Army Chief said despite being an impoverished to initiate measures to save the fish- connectivity between East and West Asia tee on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor region, we end up spending a lot of money on de- ing resources of the country as over- (CPEC) was held in Karachi with Sher Ali ISLAMABAD fense which naturally comes at the expense of hu- fishing and harmful fishing gears wasindustrial informed unit had that started the camp its construction office at the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has Arbab in Chair. Speaking on this occasion, man development. He said Pakistan is on the few posed a grave threat to the fishing Sher Ali Arbab stressed the need for timely sitework had within been the established, zone. The minister while the appre first- said Pakistan is ready to resolve all outstanding countries which despite rising security challenges ciated the work carried out by Khyber Pak- disputes with its neighbors through dialogue in a sector. He underscored the need for completion of the CPEC projects. The meet- has resisted the temptation of involving itself in an discouraging illegal and unregulated ing was briefed about the progress on Thar htunkhwa Economic Zones Development arms race. He said Pakistan’s defense expenditure Coal, Special Economic Zones, KT Bandar and Management Company (KPEZDMC) Islamabad Security Dialogue in the federal capital has rather reduced instead of increasing. This is not fishing to promote sustainable fish- and the development to setup Rashakai as on Thursday. The Army Chief however stressed that ing in the country. He stated that the project, Karachi Circular Railway, BRT and dignified and peaceful manner. He was addressing an easy undertaking especially in a hostile and un- other projects. Chief Secretary Sindh Syed this choice is deliberate and based on rationality, stable neighborhood. fishing sector needed to be developed (PPP) model. and not as a result of any pressure. General Qamar Mumtaz Ali Shah informed the committee The Army Chief said Pakistan’s robust role in cur- aiming to earn foreign exchange as that additional 660MW electricity from theHe saidfirst thatSEZ thein Public relevant Private federal Partnership agencies Javed Bajwa said it is time that synergies are created rent quest for peace in Afghanistan is a proof of our well as provide employment oppor- would be directed to provide all necessary in South Asia through connectivity, peaceful coexis- Thar will also be added to the national grid goodwill. He pointed out that our close collaboration tunities to the people. He expressed this year. The Rashakai Special Economic support and assistant to make the SEZ a and crucial support for peace process has led to the these views at a briefing, given by Zone under China Pakistan Economic Cor- success. Rashakai Special Economic Zone historic engagement between the Taliban and the US MoMA on Deep-Sea Fishing policy, at ridor (CPEC) is getting very encouraging (RSEZ) will be a leading example of public- tenceThe Army and resourceChief said sharing stable toIndo-Pak fight hunger, relations illiteracy are a and paved the way for Intra Afghan dialogue. VoM Aiwan-e-Sadr, today. The meeting was response as more than 2000 investors have private partnership with China. It is poised andkey todisease unlock instead the untapped of fighting potential each other. of South and to uplift Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Central Asia by ensuring connectivity between East attended by Minister for MoMA, Syed shown interest to set up their industrial units in the zone. The applications of all Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province by attracting and West Asia. He however regretted that the poten- , Secretary MoMA, Mr local and foreign investment, creating thou- tial has remained hostage to the disputes and issues such investors to set up their units would Rizwan Ahmed and other senior of- be processed in a transparent manner to sands of jobs and bringing in economic and between the two neighbors. He said without reso- ficials of the ministry. The Ministry social services, said Hassan Daud Butt, CEO lution of Kashmir dispute through peaceful means, allocate appropriate space within the zone, briefed the meeting about the pro- a progress review meeting on the develop- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Board of Investment process of sub continental rapprochement will al- posed Deep Sea Fishing policy. It ap- & Trade (KP-BOI). Talking to Gwadar Pro, ways remain susceptible to derailment due to politi- ment and groundbreaking of Rashakai SEZ prised that foreign vessels had been was informed here on Thursday. Hassan Daud Butt said, “Many Chinese en- cally motivated bellicosity. He said it is time to bury terprises and investors have shown keen- the past and move forward. He however said our banned from fishing since 2018 and The meeting was presided over by Minis- the proposed policy would also bar ter for Planning, Development and Special ness to invest in RSEZ. We are just waiting neighbor will have to create a conducive environ- for the groundbreaking which will take ment particularly in Indian illegally occupied Jammu such vessels from fishing. Initiatives , and was attended - place soon. Moscow Peace Conference Energy Market by provincial finance Minister Khyber Pak Afghan peace process, Pakistan, US, Qatar and Oil prices fell for a fifth day after U.S. stockpile China participates in peace conference in Moscow build and concerns around demand recovery “If the Taliban are ready for elections Khalilzad’s proposal was circulated Ghani to quit ‘only after polls’ as US tomorrow, we are also ready. But I am ahead of a May 1 deadline for the Stocks of gasoline and diesel in- mulls new government not ready to transfer the power to my complete withdrawal of US-led foreign creased against expectations among Moscow successor without elections,” he said troops from Afghanistan, based on a analysts for a decline A peace conference on Afghanistan is during an official event late on Tuesday. controversial accord signed between NEW YORK being held in Moscow on Thursday “Forty-two years of war is enough; we former American President Donald Oil prices dropped for a fifth day on in which high-level delegations from also have the right to live in peace like Trump’s administration and the Taliban Thursday after official data showed Afghan government and the Taliban other civilized nations of the world,” more than a year ago. Government a sustained rise in U.S. crude and as well as representative of the United Ghani said. His remarks came a day and Taliban delegates are set to attend fuel inventories, while the ever-pre- States, Pakistan, Qatar and China are after talks with US special envoy for Russia-sponsored talks on Thursday — sent pandemic clouded the demand attending the conference. The chair- Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who to expedite the peace process — and outlook. Brent crude was down 12 man of Afghanistan’s High Council earlier this month had shared a pro- another international UN-led confer- cents, or 0.2%, at $67.88 a barrel by for National Reconciliation Abdullah posal with key Afghan leaders, in- ence in Turkey, in April, as part of the 0119 GMT after dropping by 0.6% on Abdullah will lead Afghan government cluding Ghani, for the formation of a proposed US plan for an interim setup Wednesday. U.S. oil was also down 12 delegation while Taliban delegation participatory government — which before elections are held. cents, or 0.2%, at $64.48 a barrel, hav- will be led by deputy leader Mullah would include Taliban members — as Besides Taliban and Afghan govern- ing fallen 0.3% the previous session. Abdul Ghani Baradar. The U.S. State part of efforts to end Washington’s en- ment emissaries, Thursday’s meeting Government data on Wednesday Department has confirmed that Zalmay gagement in Afghanistan, the longest in Russia will host delegates from the showed U.S. crude inventories have Khalilzad will attend the talks. war in American history. Afghanistan High Council for National risen for four straight weeks after re- further and crude production holds among analysts for a decline. The conference is aimed at to break Reconciliation (HCNR), factional and in- fineries in the south were forced to steady,” Capital said, noting that re- On the demand front, a number of the impasse in talks on a political set- fluential leaders, and representatives shut due to severe cold weather. An fineries are “rapidly coming back European countries have halted use tlement in the war-torn country. Earlier, from the US, China and Pakistan. industry report estimating a 1 million online.” of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine : President Ashraf Ghani has vowed to Ghani, who assumed his second, five- barrel-drop had raised hopes the run U.S. crude inventories increased by because of concerns about possible step down from power, but only after year-term in office more than a year of gains might have stopped. “Even 2.4 million barrels last week, an in- side effects. elections are held in Kabul — even as ago amid allegations of poll fraud, said with the continued recovery in re- dustry report on Tuesday estimated a Germany is also seeing a rise in coro- pressure mounts on the Afghan head on Tuesday that he would move for- finery activity, U.S. crude stocks rose 1 million barrel-decline. Analysts had navirus cases, while Italy plans a na- of state to form an interim government ward based on “realities instead of sen- last week,” Capital Economics said in on average expected an increase of 3 tional lockdown for Easter lockdown that includes the Taliban. timents” for a “lasting and fair peace.” a client note. “We suspect that stocks million barrels. Stocks of gasoline and and France will introduce tougher will fall soon as refinery activity rises diesel increased against expectations restrictions. Friday, March 19, 2021

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Editor-in-Chief: Amna Malik Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad: A Journey towards Sustainable Peace Editor: Muhammad Hassam Assistant Editor:Syed Mushahid Naqvi in these four years Pakistan’s armed forces and law en- been sent to hell in these four years and hundreds of Phone: + 92 51 2814017 Offce # 407/408, 4th Floor, Evacuee forcement agencies along with the nation have achieved terrorists have been arrested by Security Forces. Capacity great success in the pursuit of two-pronged strategy, Enhancement has also been an important part of this Trust, Agha Khan Road, F-5/1 Islamabad counter terrorism and violent extremism. To counter ter- rorism, thousands of intelligence based operations have been established. Security Forces have trained 37428 been launched which resulted into killings of terrorists, operation.policemen Inin thefour four years years, and 58 presently, new wings 4000 of the policemen FC have fencing on Pakistan-Afghanistan border and Pakistan- are being trained who will be sent to Tribal Areas in next Iran Border is being done at good pace, capacity of six months. Adding more to it, Pakistan Army has trained EU support for Pakistan to Zeeshan Shoukat security forces is being enhanced and better border man- - agement systems are being installed. Paigham-e-Pakistan sonnel are also being trained in this year. control covid impacts akistan and its Pakistan Armed Forces have achieved has also contributed significantly to counter terrorism 3865Border personnel Management from Issue Balochistan has been Levies and still and a 3500core issue per whatP the other nation-states could not accomplish and extremist ideologies. As far as the specific details in the way to end terrorism and establish sustainable he third wave of covid 19 can be seen evidently in all major cities against the non-traditional security threats particularly of this operation are concerned, the Counter Terrorism peace. To resolve this issue, Pakistan Army-led fencing of Pakistan. Consequently, the smart lockdown has been imposed the menace of terrorism in the contemporary world. Department (CTD), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), of Pak-Afghan border and Pak-Iran border is underway. wherever needed. Recently European Union has pledged to sup- Despite the fact that terrorism inflicted countless wounds Intelligence Bureau (IB), Police, Military Intelligence (MI), Pakistan has completed 84% of fencing at Afghan bor- port Pakistan in three projects to be undertaken by civil society on all the segments of society in a way that over 80,000 Frontier Corps (FC) and Rangers have played central role der and 43% at Iran border, so far. 497 posts/terminals organizations with assistance worth 7.23 million euros to al- people lost their lives and the economic losses are more to eliminate terrorism. Under this operation, more than have also been constructed alongside the western bor- leviate the socio-economic impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on der. Furthermore, at Chaman and Torkham, Integrated the communities and increase the voice of the youth in society. Ambassador brave sons of the soil have fought fearlessly and suc- carried out so far which neutralized the threats. Major Transit Trade Management Systems are being installed Tof the European Union Androulla Kaminari signed three contracts with the thanceeded 125 in theirbillion struggle USD, butagainst the terrorismresilient nationand extremism. and the 375,000IBOs included intelligence clearance based operations operations at Gwadar(IBOs) have PC hotel, been which would be active in next two years. The terrorists representatives of the main implementing partners. The projects were se- The Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad is not only the final nail Chinese consulate in Karachi, Agriculture University have been either expelled or killed by the security forces lected through a call for proposals launched in April last year and focused on in the coffin for terrorism and extremism but also a jour- Peshawar and Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi. but the improvised explosives devices (IEDs) and land- Punjab, Sindh, and Gilgit-Baltistan EU revealed in a press release. In Pakistan, ney of Pakistan towards sustainable peace. Operation mines left by them continued to endanger the lives of the the virus is posing a threat to people’s lives, straining communities, overwhelm- Radd-ul-Fasaad was launched on 22nd February in 2017 most of them were neutralized before their materializa- people and security forces. The efforts of demining accel- ing health systems, and endangering livelihoods. Young people in particular, under the leadership and supervision of Chief of Army Moreover,tion. During over Radd-ul-Fasaad, 5000 threat Operation alerts were Khyber-IV issued was and who make up a majority of Pakistan’s population, have been severely affected Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Pakistan Armed launched to clear Rajgal Valley and secure border area and more than 48,000 mines have been recovered so far. by the pandemic in terms of unemployment, increased gender inequalities, Forces have carried out several operations in the last with Afghanistan and Operation at Dwa Toi was also erated in 2017 and 58% of total area have been cleared social exclusion, and a diminished voice in the decision-making processes. two decades to fight against the terrorists but Raddu- carried out to clear the most inhospitable and difficult to support operations, now as 96% of the Temporarily The projects aim to build the capacity of civil society organizations to mobilise ul-Fasaad is different from all the other operations as this terrain in North Waziristan. In these operations, the AroundDisplaced 450 Persons check (TDPs)posts were have established been returned in the back area to and engage youths, enhance involvement in decision-making, and improve ac- operation is not area specific and also is not restricted cess to economic opportunities for marginalized groups. Ms. Kaminari while to counter terrorism only. Counter terrorism and violent square kilometres. With regard to de-weaponization and purpose of these remaining posts is to provide security elaborating about the project said that as the world continued to battle the extremism are the two agendas of this operation with writexplosive of state control, was underre-established Operation in Radd-ul-Fasaad, an area of over more 750 theirto the homes, people. these posts have also reduced to 250. The coronavirus pandemic, it was important to focus their efforts on supporting the aim to achieve peace, normalcy and stability across the most vulnerable. Civil society organizations are important partners for the Pakistan. been recovered, so far. In the operations, which have been The author is an MPhil Scholar, International EU wherever we work, and have been crucial in Pakistan’s efforts to respond Recently, the operation has completed its four years and than 72,000 illegal weapons and over 5.0 M ammo have Relations, NUML Islamabad to the current crisis. The current pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on young people. The current said the project will empower the youth socially carried out under Radd-ul-Fasaad, 353 terrorists have and economically. This is the real essence of this project. Hopefully, the impacts Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect The Asian Telegraph point-of-view caused by covid 19 will be controlled amicably. This project will further ease the difficulties of those suffering from this pandemic and are in quest of some solution at the earliest. Today in History US-Russia Contemporary Relations March 19, 2003 - War in Iraq begins

ecently Russia said that it would recall its ambassador to the n March 19, 2003, the United the enemies of God, the homeland and at the scene described him as “a man United States for consultations. The shows the recent mounting States, along with coalition humanity, have committed the stupid- resigned to his fate.” Hussein was Iraqi National Assembly. A new con- tensions between Moscow and Washington. The move to recall Oforces primarily from the ity of aggression against our homeland arrested and began trial for crimes Iraqistitution people for theelected country a 275-member was ratified the Russian ambassador to Moscow was announced shortly after United Kingdom, initiates war on and people.” Though Saddam Hussein against his people, including mass that October. On November 6, 2006, US President Joe Biden accused his Russian counterpart Vladimir Iraq. Just after explosions began to had declared in early March 2003 that, Saddam Hussein was found guilty of Putin of being a “killer”, and warned he would “pay a price” for rock Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, U.S. “it is without doubt that the faithful 2004, the provisional government in crimes against humanity and sen- the alleged election. These comments by Biden came after a US intelligence President George W. Bush announced will be victorious against aggres- killings,place since in soon October after Saddam’s 2005. In ouster June tenced to death by hanging. After an Rreport which linked Putin to influence operations aimed at helping Donald in a televised address, “At this hour, sion,” he went into hiding soon after transferred power to the Iraqi Interim unsuccessful appeal, he was executed Trump in last November’s presidential election. On the other hand, Russia American and coalition forces are in the American invasion, speaking to his on December 30, 2006. denied the longstanding allegations of meddling as baseless. The Russian em- the early stages of military opera- people only through an occasional au- bassy in Washington said in a statement revealed about the decisions taken tions to disarm Iraq, to free its people diotape. Coalition forces were able to Government. In January 2005, the after Biden’s statement. This is not the first time that the relations between and to defend the world from grave topple his regime and capture Iraq’s both countries are witnessing tensions. There are also historical perspectives danger.” President Bush and his advi- major cities in just three weeks, sus- of relations between both. Russian Foreign Ministry responded that the main sors built much of their case for war taining few casualties. President Bush thing for us is to determine the ways in which the difficult Russian-American on the idea that Iraq, under dictator declared the end of major combat op- relations that Washington has led into a dead-end in recent years could be Saddam Hussein, possessed or was erations on May 1, 2003. Despite the rectified. In a recent interview, Biden said that “you’ll see shortly” when asked in the process of building weapons defeat of conventional military forces what consequences Russia would face for its alleged behavior. The tensions of mass destruction. Hostilities began in Iraq, an insurgency has continued between the US and Russia can be seen mounted in the near past and now about 90 minutes after the U.S.- an intense guerrilla war in the nation they entered a new phase after Biden became the president. US Commerce imposed deadline for Saddam Hussein in the years since military victory was Department has also tightened sanctions on some exports to Russia as punish- to leave Iraq or face war passed. The announced, resulting in thousands of ment for Navalny’s alleged poisoning in August of last year. The department first targets, which Bush said were “of coalition military, insurgent and civil- said the move would toughen restrictions originally put in place in response military importance,” were hit with ian deaths. After an intense manhunt, to the March 2018 poisoning of former Russian military officer intelligence Tomahawk cruise missiles from U.S. U.S. soldiers found Saddam Hussein Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury, England, with a military-grade fighter-bombers and warships sta- hiding in a six-to-eight-foot deep hole, nerve agent. On the other hand, Moscow has denied any role in either case. One tioned in the Persian Gulf. In response nine miles outside his hometown of has to wait and see the repercussions of Biden’s statement and consequently to the attacks, Republic of Iraq radio Tikrit. He did not resist and was un- the move announced by the Incumbent Russian Government. in Baghdad announced, “the evil ones, injured during the arrest. A soldier

6th Asian World Film Festival Artemis: Moon Missions as an Sarmad Khoosat’s Zindagi Tamasha wins best Astronaut Testbed for Mars

CALIFORNIA capabilities will expand to include more living film at 6th Asian World Film Festival America is going back to the Moon, and NASA and research space, enabling months-long crew will use what it learns during the Artemis pro- expeditions with multiple trips down to the lunar KARACHI haven’t gotten the chance to watch the human being portrayed through a very don’t know what to say except, I’m gram to prepare for humanity’s next giant leap: surface.“The Gateway provides the platform that Sarmad Khoosat’s Zindagi Tamasha movie yet. Zindagi Tamasha was slated humane eye. Well, forget it!” sorry you might not get to watch this, sending astronauts to Mars. Artemis is part of enables all types of testing and training for Mars might have been through the ringer to be 2020’s first Pakistani film re- Actor Eman Suleman too shared which is a tragedy, because this film the steppingstone approach that will build on re- missions,” said Kris Lehnhardt, element scientist but hey, there’s a silver lining. Despite lease, meant to hit cinemas on January the director’s sentiments, adding, “I was made for Pakistan.” search conducted in ground analogs and on the for Exploration Medical Capability for HRP at the movie not having seen the light 24. However, it has been stopped from International Space Station to help NASA identify NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “The of the day in Pakistan, it has been being released, despite being cleared ways to keep astronauts safe, healthy, and pro- platform can be designed from the very beginning receiving appreciation and acclaim by multiple censor boards twice and ductive during future missions to Mars. Round- to be as similar to an exploration environment internationally. it’s fate still hangs in the balance. trip missions to Mars are expected to take up to as possible, while decreasing Earth dependence Following the movie as Pakistan’s Khoosat, who had gone to the ex- three years, and engineers and scientists at NASA’s for future missions.” Missions to the Moon are official entry to Oscars, it has now tent of writing a letter to the Prime Human Research Program, or HRP, seek to bet- about 1,000 times farther from Earth and more bagged the Snow Leopard Award for Minister Imran Khan, had opened up ter understand what might happen to the human challenging than expeditions to the space station. Best Film at the 6th Asian World Film about the threats he was receiving body during that time. The research gathered Artemis missions will provide a unique opportu- pre-release. throughout analog, space station, and Artemis nity to evaluate the hazards astronauts will face Director Sarmad Sultan Khoosat re- “I did not make Zindagi Tamasha to missions aims to examine the risks astronauts in a true deep space environment. Festivalceived the (AWFF) award heldfrom onjury March member 15. hurt, offend or malign anyone,” he had will encounter on long missions far from Earth. Luba Balagova Kandoor. said. “It’s a story about a ‘good enough Additionally, the studies provide insight into how Arif Hassan was awarded Best Actor Muslim’ — there was/is no mention humans adapt or respond to those risks, and how award for his performance in the of a sect, party or faction of any sort. to develop effective ways to counter any negative film. According to the official synop- Neither in the uncensored version nor effects. Part of Artemis is the Gateway, which will sis, Zindagi Tamasha, or Circus of Life the censored one. If a bearded man is be an outpost that orbits the Moon and provides as it is known, is “an intimate por- to be generically called a molvi, then vital support for a sustainable, long-term human trait of a family as well as a scorching trust me, this is/was a film about presence on the lunar surface, as well as a stag- political commentary on little gods a good molvi. An empathetic and ing point for deep space exploration. As NASA on this earth who police our private heartfelt story of a bearded an who is and its partners build the Gateway, the outpost’s passions.” Unfortunately, Pakistanis so much more than just that. He is a

Amid Pandemic Upsurge, PM Imran Khan gets COVID-19 jab ISLAMABAD or home, according to the latest update issued Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Thursday by the National Command and Operation Centre so far across Pakistan making it a significant got his first COVID-19 jab during the second (NCOC). During the last 24 hours most of the 575,867count with people over have90 percent recovered recovery from theratio disease of the phase of the vaccination, where elderly people deaths had occurred in the Punjab followed by affected patients. Since the pandemic outbreak, are being inoculated across the country. The pre- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Out of the total 61 deaths mier received the anti-COVID jab from Islamabad. occurred during last 24 hours, 22 of the deceased included the perished, recovered and under On the occasion, he appealed to the nation to had died on ventilators during their treatment. atreatment total of 612,315 COVID-19 cases patients were so detected far, including that also AJK ensure strict adherence to the SOPs designed The maximum ventilators were occupied in to counter COVID-19 spread. Earlier this week, four major areas including 33 percent, KP 76,819, Punjab 189,362 and Sindh 261,823. President Arif Alvi and his wife Samina Alvi got Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) 43 percent, 11,161, Balochistan 19,247, GB 4,965, ICT 48,938, their first COVID-19 jab during the second phase Bahawalpur 27 percent and Lahore 37 percent. since the eruption of the contagion. of the vaccination. As anti-COVID vaccination for The maximum Oxygen beds (alternate oxygen AboutAround 13,656 4,468 deaths perished were in recordedSindh where in country seven elderly people aged above 60 has begun in the providing facility other than ventilator admin- deaths occured during past 24 hours. Six country and there is a laid down procedure on istered as per medical requirement of COVID in the hospital and one out of the hospital. getting oneself register for the jab. The govern- patient) was also occupied in Four major ment has urged elderly people to register them- - in past 24 hours. 40 of them in the hospital and selves for the vaccination process by sending an cent, ICT 40 percent and Multan 31 percent. 5,853one out in ofPunjab the hospital. had died 2,179 with in41 KP deaths where occured seven SMS on 1166 carrying the NIC number. areasAround of 263 Gujrat ventilators 67 percent, were occupiedPeshawar elsewhere 51 per of them died in hospital and three out of the It is noted that the national tally on Wednesday in the country while no COVID affected person of total active COVID-19 cases recorded 22,792 was on ventilator in Azad Jammu and Kashmir deaths in hospital during past 24 hours, 202 (AJK), Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Balochistan. Some hospitalin Balochistan, on Tuesday, 103 in 529 GB andin ICT 322 among in AJK three suc- 38,799 tests were conducted across the country withthe disease 2,351 moreduring people the last tested 24 hours. positive Sixty-one for the on Tuesday, including 8,878 in Sindh, 16,132 corona tests have been conducted so far, while deadlycorona patientsvirus and have 2,853 died people during recovered past 24 hours, from in Punjab, 7,001 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), cumbed631 hospitals to the aredeadly equipped virus. A with total COVID of 9,603,865 facili- ties. Some 2,487 corona patients were admitted and five out of hospital in respective quarantine in Balochistan, 334 in GB, and 649 in AJK. Around in hospitals across the country. 56 of whom were under treatment in hospital 5,260 in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 545 Friday, March 19, 2021

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KSE-100 snaps winning streak, divespectations 726 and sparked points fears of yet another lockdown, which would be detrimental for the businesses and economy. Moreover, investors remained cautious ahead of the monetary policy announce- ment due on Friday. Though the market Britney Spears wants her anticipated a status quo in the benchmark policy rate, the participants still offloaded dad out of her personal their holdings in a bid to play safe in case of a surprise change in the rate. affairs permanently In addition, the investors sold their stock- holdings in the wake of a prolonged bull-run at the bourse as a correction was expected sooner or later. Earlier, trading began on a positive note and the KSE-100 index recorded gains until mid- day. The decline began in the second half of the session as concerns over the monetary policy announcement weighed on investor mind. The drop accelerated in final hours, push-

At close, the benchmark KSE-100 index re- ingcorded the aindex decrease below of the726.22 45,000-point points, or mark.1.6%, to settle at 44,724.09 points. Benchmark index declines 1.6% to 700 points after a host of negative triggers, In comments to The Express Tribune, Mafa settle at 44,724.09 coupled with worries over monetary policy Capital CEO Adnan Agar said that the mar- Bureaau Report announcement, sparked across-the-board ket dived on the back of profit-booking by DUBAI KARACHI selling. investors. “A correction was expected keep- Lawyers for Britney Spears will again ask a Los Angeles The stock market snapped a four-session Investor sentiment took a hit after the daily ing in view the sustained rise of the stock court next month to make official the replacement of her winning streak on Thursday and dived over tally of Covid-19 cases soared beyond ex- market over the past few sessions,” he said. father as her conservator in a long-running battle over control of her personal and financial affairs. Turkey hikes main interest rate to 19% Dubai port operator DP World sees Her lawyer, Samuel Ingham, told a court hearing on to counter inflation and weak lira Wednesday that he would ask that Jodi Montgomery, 2020 profits drop 29% amid virus who in 2019 was appointed temporary conservator of Bureaau Report Bureaau Report faced various challenges with the virus the singer’s personal affairs, be made permanent. Ingham ANKARA value against the dollar since President DUBAI surging, regional tensions rising and said he would present the petition at an April 27 hearing. Turkey’s central bank on Thursday clawedRecept Tayyipback roughly Erdogan 15 overhauled percent of hisits Port operator DP World announced trade wars continuing. Britney Spears, now 39, has made clear through her law- sharply hiked its main interest rate economic team and appointed Naci Thursday its profits slid 29 percent in In its annual report, DP World said its yer in the past year that she no longer wants her father to 19 percent to counter rising infla- Agbal as the new central bank governor 2020 from the previous year to $846 revenue in 2020 climbed 11 percent to involved in her affairs. A previous bid to remove him Britain says expects tion and the dropping value of the in November. million, as the coronavirus pandemic failed in August last year. lira. The bank said it “has decided to But rising crude oil prices have pushed froze supply chains and upended the year of acquisitions. DP World reported Montgomery, the singer’s care manager, took over from financial services pact implement a front-loaded and strong up Turkey’s inflation rate more than world’s trade flows. The port operator, $8.53revenues million, of $7.68 a rise billion it attributed and profits to of a the singer’s father Jamie Spears after he suffered a bout additional monetary tightening” after expected while growing yields on US which delisted from the stock exchange $1.19 billion in 2019. The port opera- of ill health. Jamie Spears remains legal guardian of his with EU this month seeing the annual inflation rate climb Treasuries have forced investors out of and returned to full state-ownership tor’s delisting from the stock exchange daughter’s financial affairs but is now sharing those du- Bureaau Report riskier emerging markets. Economists last June, stressed that it defied ana- came as its parent company, Dubai ties with a financial institution. LONDON main rate was raised by a greater-than- blame Erdogan’s unorthodox belief lysts’ low expectations for global trade A planned court review on Wednesday of the pop star’s - toexpected 15.6 percent 200 basislast month. points. The The bank’s lira that high interest rates cause inflation over the difficult period. The maritime billion to banks. Despite dismal pre- finances was postponed for a month. vices cooperation pact with the European gained two percent in value against — instead of slowing it down — for firm, one of the world’s largest, has World,dictions sought of slumping to repay global more trade than last $5 Britain expects to seal a financial ser the dollar moments after the decision many of Turkey’s current economic spring, DP World said the container Can’t hold the culture was announced. The Turkish lira has problems. But Agbal appears to have terminal industry has shown resilience, Unionfrom market shortly, fragmentation. a senior finance The ministry City of won Erdogan’s blessing to keep the pivoting to automation and digital in- card and choose when officialLondon’s told ties a withconference the bloc on were challenges severed policy rate high for some time to ward vestment. In recent months, the com- after Britain left the EU’s single market off inflation and help the lira recover. pany has done brisk business. DP World to play it on Dec. 31 and the prospect of a pact has “Governor Abgal is clearly keen to em- raised hopes in some quarters of at least a bellish his inflation-fighting credentials Canada’s biggest pension-fund manag- partial resumption of direct access to the and thus was willing to go above and struckers to expanda $4.5 billion its footprint deal with in Europe one of beyond what investors had demanded. and Asia Pacific last fall. VoM - continent’s financial markets. Katharinesides were committedBraddick, theto agreeing finance an minis MoU Chinese chipmaker SMIC to invest 28-nm try’son regulatory head of financial cooperation services, by the said end both of March. chipmaking facilities in Shenzhen “I don’t see any reason why we are not going to be able to deliver on that com- Bureaau Report new company, called “SMIC Shenzhen” and purchase agreement. mitment,” Braddick said, echoing com- BEIJING Shenzhen government company Shenzhen SMIC also said in March that it would con- ments this week from the EU. Braddick Chinese chipmaker Semiconductor Major will retain 23 percent of the stake. tinue to work with global supply chain said talk about the pact has been “exuber- Manufacturing International Corporation “SMIC and Shenzhen government will partners to make sure it can continue to ant” and in practice it would only be an (SMIC), announced to create a joint ven- jointly invite other third-party investors manufacture products. “administrative vehicle” for dialogue.She ture with the Shenzhen government in to complete the remaining capital contri- Although uncertainty continues, the com- was speaking at the launch of a report on South China’s Guangdong to produce bution,” the announcement said. In early pany said that its capacity expansion plan 28-nanometer chip wafers. According to March, SMIC announced a deal for $1.2 bil- remains unaltered and they are confident KARACHI International Regulatory Strategy Group, the company’s announcement revealed on lion worth of purchase orders with Dutch that the company’s short-term manufac- From hosting lavish weddings during a pandemic to the financiala think tank market backed fragmentation by the City of from London the the website of Shanghai Stock Exchange on mask aligner manufacturing giant, ASML, turing won’t be affected by major negative depressing state of the waste filled Seaview Beach all and TheCityUK. Wednesday, the joint venture will focus the based on an amended and restated volume factors. the way to cops rollerblading around the city, Pakistan’s It calls on the G7, G20 and the COP26 production and technical services of 28-na- most beloved bhabhi Shaniera Akram is protective of climate change summit in November to nometer and above integrated circuits, and her adopted country and the people living in it. - also aims to produce 40,000 12-inch wa- This is why when the nation broke out in chaos fol- fers per month. Production is expected to lowing the expulsion of a girl hugging a boy at the renewcrisis in commitments 2009, to avoid to integrated spiralling financom- begin in 2022. University of Lahore, the activist spoke up in protest, cialpliance markets costs asmade economies during recoverthe financial from The total investment of the project is es- arguing that love shouldn’t be punished like a crime. COVID-19 and tackle climate change. However, after having received a ton of backlash from Antony Manchester, managing director at comes amid a severe global chip shortage. conservative audiences for her post, Akram recently BlackRock, said it was a “delicate time” timatedAt the same to reach time, $2.35China billion.is ramping The up deal ef- took to social media to call out public hypocrisy, de- forts to solve the bottleneck of advanced fending herself against people who were quick to judge questioned and Brexit fragments markets chipmaking by trying to get rid of the de- her intentions and place in the country — going to the forin Europe.“A finance as call international for coherent trade regulation is being is pendence on foreign companies. extent of calling her an outsider with ‘foreign values.’ not the same as a call for less or no regu- Once established, SMIC is expected to take “I have fallen in our culture and our family values and lation,” Manchester said. the way we are as a country,” she protested, reminding people that she speaks only from a different perspec- a stake of no more than 55 percent in the tive because she was brought up in the multicultural city of Melbourne. “Growing up I didn’t have just one culture I had many.” She said in Pakistan, there are re- ports of child abuse, honour killings, children being abandoned in garbage heaps and tortured. This isn’t South Africa announce ODI, T20I squads Prince Khalid says Saudi Arabia our culture either but it still happens, she reminded Instagram. VoM ‘ideal fit for Extreme E’ as inaugural for Pakistan series Jordanian soprano Zeina race in AlUla edges closer Pakistan captain underwent his first Klaasen, Janneman Malan, Keshav Temba Bavuma (captain), Bjorn Fortuin, Staff Report racing milestone. Having hosted Barhoum to perform at Covid-19 test at the National High Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, DUBAI desert rallies for more than half a Performance Centre yesterday Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Rassie The latest international motor- century, the Kingdom welcomed its Palestine Museum US Bureau Report Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz van der Dussen, Janneman Malan, sports event to take place in Saudi first FIA-backed street race with the CAPE TOWN Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts, Rassie van der Sisanda Magala, Dwaine Pretorius, Arabia is now just over two weeks Formula E Diriyah E-Prix in 2019 — Cricket South Africa (CSA) today an- Dussen, Junior Dala, Lutho Sipamla, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Kyle away, with the FIA-backed Extreme a race that has since been held over nounced the ODI and T20I squads that Wiaan Mulder, Sisanda Magala, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Pite van Biljon, Migael E rally’s inaugural race due to be two weekends since, most recently will take on Pakistan in the upcoming Verreynne, Daryn Dupavillon, Lizaad Pretorius, Lizaad Williams Wihan held in the desert terrain of AlUla just last month. limited-overs series. Both squads will Williams. Lubbe. on April 3-4. The new electric ve- In 2020, the Kingdom became the be led by Temba Bavuma that will con- hicle competition will pit 10 teams first Middle Eastern nation to host sist of 22 players for the ODI series and 20 drivers against each other the famous Dakar Rally — “the and 17 for the T20I series. The tour on the sand dunes of AlUla over two hardest race in the world” — with runs from April 2-16 and consists of days, with qualifying on Friday and competitors snaking across hun- three ODIs and four T20 International the main Desert X Prix on Saturday. dreds of miles of desert dunes as matches. In terms of an agreement be- It will be Extreme E’s first-ever out- they looped round the country from tween CSA and the Board of Control for ing after years in the planning and Jeddah over the space of two weeks. Cricket in (BCCI), those players will feature leading drivers, includ- Dakar Saudi returned in January awarded Indian Premier League (IPL) ing Jenson Button and Carlos Sainz, this year, with an even sterner, but contracts will be released early to join among a field of world-class male just as mesmerizing, route across their respective teams. and female competitors. the Kingdom. Temba Bavuma (captain), Quinton de The rally season’s major objective is And later this year, Formula One Kock (wk), Beuran Hendricks Heinrich to highlight the climate change chal- racing will finally come to the DUBAI lenges faced by ecosystems around Kingdom with the maiden Saudi Jordanian opera singer Zeina Barhoum is set to perform the world, while showcasing the Arabian Grand Prix taking place at the Palestine Museum US on March 21, organizers an- Teenage sensation Sinner upsets former Dubai champ performance of all-electric SUVs in Jeddah. It is through the tireless nounced this week. The renowned singer will virtually per- PORTLAND the rhythm. I think that was the key.” in extreme conditions. In AlUla, work of the Saudi Automobile and form in Arabic and other languages, including the songs Italian teenager Jannik Sinner claimed a dra- Second seed Andrey Rublev enjoyed a com- the tour will highlight the impact Motorcyle Federation (SAMF) that “Sanarjeo Yawman,” “Jerusalem, Flower of Cities,” “O mio toserving lead 5-4.out theBautista set. In Agut the deciding leveled set,the Sinnermatch fortable win over Taylor Fritz, taking just over of desertification, before continu- Extreme E will take to the desert babbino caro” and several others. Barhoum, who is famous former champion Roberto Bautista Agut on byheld breaking the advantage to lead 5-3by breakingin the second to lead before 4-2 an hour to win 6-3 6-1. While leading 3-1 in ing on to the stunning backdrops next month. It was also through for embracing the rich aspects of Western and Arabic classi- maticWednesday 6-4 3-6 to 7-5 move victory into overthe quarter-finals fourth seed and of and although Bautista Agut brought it back to the second set, Rublev fended off six break of Senegal, Greenland, Brazil and the Federation’s partnerships with cal songs as well as opera, is a soprano who started her mu- the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. points en route to the victory. Third seed Denis Argentina to continue spreading the Formula E and Rally Dakar that the sical career in 1997. Her interest in music began at a young The measure of Sinner’s two-hour, 24-minute point he took advantage. Sinner, who is making Shapovalov, playing his 200th career match message while pushing drivers and Kingdom is now host to both the age. She joined the school choir, and her music teacher was victory can be judged by the fact that his oppo- 4-4,his Dubai a double debut fault this at week, 6-5 gave is still Sinner a new a match name and again performing under the watchful eye their teams to their limits. Diriyah E-Prix and Dakar Saudi among the first people to discover her talent. nent has already reached two finals this year, to many but he has already set numerous re- of coach and former two-time Dubai finalist For Saudi Arabia, the hosting of for 10 years of events, as well as Barhoum, who is also a fashion designer, launched her in Montpellier and last week in Doha. The grip- cords. He ended 2020 as the No. 1 teenager on Mikhail Youzhny, also advanced to the quarter- Extreme E marks another motor Formula One. first album, Alcántara, in November 2014. Under the ping battle remained in the balance right up finals with a 6-4 6-3 win over Hubert Hurkacz. Royal Patronage of Princess Muna Al-Hussein, Barhoum until the final ball was struck. The opening set title earlier this season in Melbourne. The 21-year-old Shapovalov produced a confi- also launched the first opera festival in the Arab world, the went to Sinner, the No. 16 seed, after he broke theSinner ATP took Tour the and 2019 he wonNext hisGen second ATP Finals ATP250 title dent and aggressive performance to overcome Amman Opera Festival (AOF), with the full operatic produc- in Milan and he also advanced to the 2020 an opponent he had lost to in their previous tion of Verdi’s “La Traviata.” The festival was held at the French Open quarter-finals, the first debu- two meetings. He always held the edge in what 2,000-year-old Roman Theater in July 2017, alongside over was still a closely fought opening set, breaking was also the youngest quarter-finalist there to lead 2-1 and fighting off a break point to 10 countries. tantsince to Novak do so Djokovic since Rafael in 2006. Nadal “Today in 2005. I tried He - According150 international to her website, musicians the andstar dancerslaunched from the AOF more to thanpro- to play aggressively, especially on the return ond set was more comfortable as Shapovalov mote opera culture in Jordan and the wider Arab world game,” said Sinner, the youngest player in the holdagain 5-3 broke lead for before 2-1, andsecuring although the set. he Thefailed sec to and inspire the building of an opera house in the Jordanian Top 100 of the FedEx ATP Rankings. “Some convert three more break points at 3-1, he capital of Amman. VoM points I played a little bit slower to change broke serve once more in the final game. Friday, March 19, 2021 The Asian Telegraph www.theasiantelegraph.net

Chinese Construction Pakistan Embassy, companies keen to invest Seoul arranges forum in housing sector in for Pak-Korean women Khyber Pakhtunkhwa entrepreneurs The company has approached the provin- cial government of KP to explore investment Pakistan strongly condemns potential in the housing sector UNITED NATIONS terrorist attacks in Niger Pak China Development Private Limited ISLAMABAD (PCDPL), a mega Chinese construction In celebration of Women’s Day, the Embas- firm has shown interest in exploring sy of Pakistan in Seoul organised a forum investment opportunities in the hous- for women entrepreneurs of Pakistan and ing sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Republic of Korea to explore collaboration province with a view to contribute to between women-led businesses in Paki- Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of stan and Republic of Korea. constructing five million housing units. The distinguished panel of speakers at The company has approached the pro- the event consisted of Chairperson of the vincial government of KP to explore Committee on Gender Equality and Family investment potential in the housing of the National Assembly, Ms. Choun Sook sector. In this regard, a zoom meeting Jung and Secretary Board of investment, was recently held between the officials Ms. Fareena Mazhar who spoke about the of PCTDPL and Provincial Housing Au- role of women leaders in promoting wom- thority (PHA). en empowerment in the business world The first meeting was held in a friendly and workplace. environment; the Chinese firm is inter- In their presentations, CEO of PCL Inc Ms. ested in investing in KP’s housing sec- Kim Soyoun and Co-founder of Amco IT tor, an adding that “further discussions system Ms.Zarish Amjad briefed the par- will take place during our upcoming ticipants on their respective journeys in meetings”. establishing their companies and their According to the official, if both par- success in male-dominated sector. ties reached an agreement, the Chi- CEO of Earthman Fair Trade Company ex- nese company will provide “invest- Pakistan, Kuwait FMs Meeting plained how their company was providing ment, state-of-the-art technology and a platform for farmers and artisans from real estate development experiences”. developing countries including Pakistan For investment through joint venture Pakistan, Kuwait expresses resolve to diversify to sell their produce in the international mechanisms, the Government of KP has market. developed different models to meet the trade, economic cooperation Pakistani and Korean entrepreneurs dis- objective of “housing for all”. Naya Pakistan vision focused around economic security: FM cussed the economic opportunities cre- PCDPL signed MoU with Naya Pakistan ated by women and how business can Housing and Development Authority facilitate and promote opportunities for ISLAMABAD with Foreign Minister Qureshi, the Kuwaiti foreign world community including that of Kuwait to get women in workplace including safe work (NAPHDA) in 2020 to develop five mil- Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Ku- minister will call on other dignitaries. “Pakistan freed the oppressed Kashmiri people from the cruel environment, child care facilities and ca- lion houses in the country. PCDPL will wait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and State Minister accords high importance to its fraternal ties with Indian clutches. He thanked Kuwait for supporting pacity building. collaborate with excellent reputation for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al-Mo- Kashmir resolution passed by the OIC foreign minis- On the other hand, Pakistan strongly con- real-estate company, InfraRed Capital hammed Al-Sabah met here on Thursday and dis- values. The bilateral relationship is marked by high- ters at its meeting in Niger. Shah Mahmood Qureshi demns the terrorist attacks in Tillaberi in Hong Kong to execute the housing cussed issues of bilateral importance. Foreign Min- Kuwait,level visits which and are growing firmly cooperation rooted in shared across faith myriad and said the world recognizes the positive role being region of Republic of Niger that resulted program in Pakistan and to develop ister Qureshi received his Kuwaiti counterpart on his played by Pakistan in the Afghan peace process. He in loss of so many precious lives. The gov- the real estate sector in the country arrival at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Foreign collaborated closely in the health sector and food se- said Pakistan will continue its efforts peace in Af- ernment and people of Pakistan extend by bringing in financial support, build- Minister of Kuwait planted a sapling at the premises fields.curity,” During the FO the said. global pandemic, the two countries ghanistan and the region. their deepest sympathies and condolences ing technology and excellent property of the Ministry.nThe Kuwaiti foreign minister is vis- The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister said his country wants to the bereaved families and pray for the management models. iting Pakistan on the invitation of Foreign Minister positive role of the Kuwaiti leadership in building to promote economic relations with Pakistan. He speedy recovery of those injured. Pakistan PCDPL is located in Pakistan with its Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, and also lead a Thebridges Foreign among Office the memberssaid Pakistan of the acknowledged Gulf Cooperation the commended the contributions of Pakistani com- reiterates its unequivocal condemnation head office in Hong Kong. With the con- - Council (GCC). Pakistan also stood in solidarity with munity in Kuwait in the development of the country. of terrorism in all forms and manifesta- tinuous growth of Hong Kong head of- istries of Foreign Affairs, Health, Interior, and Trade the State of Kuwait in the efforts to strengthen unity later on, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi fice and reputation in the market, the tions. We reaffirm our strong support and delegation comprising senior officials from the min among the Muslim countries, it added. The visit of says Pakistani leadership’s vision of Naya Pakistan is solidarity with the government and people Chinese firm has been directly working The visit of the Kuwaiti foreign minister comes in the Kuwaiti foreign minister would provide further focused around economic security for the well-being of Niger in this moment of grief. VoM with the federal government for en- andthe backdropIndustry, theof bilateral Foreign meetingOffice said held Wednesday. with Foreign impetus to the positive momentum in bilateral ex- and welfare of the people. He was addressing Islam- couraging investment, trade and tech- Minister Qureshi on the sidelines of 47th Session of changes and deepening mutual cooperation, the FO abad Security Dialogue in the federal capital today nology export covering various sectors OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Niamey, Niger, in said. The Foreign Minister said Pakistan is facilitat- (Thursday). The Minister said Pakistan is advocat- in Pakistan. VoM November 2020. The two foreign ministers agreed ing the foreign investment in different sectors of ing co-existence and win-win cooperation instead to work closely towards further strengthening and economy. This is the reason that Pakistan’s ranking of partake in geo-political competition and rivalries. in the ease of doing business has improved. He said He said Pakistan has decided not to be a part of any To follow-up on the two foreign ministers’ under- we also welcome Kuwaiti investment in the country. expandingstanding, Kuwait’s bilateral cooperationAssistant Foreign in diverse Minister fields. for The Foreign Minister also apprised the Kuwaiti only a partner for peace and development. Shah Asian Affairs visited Pakistan in January 2021 and counterpart about the prevailing situation in Indian regionalMahmood conflict Qureshi and said has Pakistan consciously is calling chosen for inclu to be- held consultations in the ministries of Foreign Af- illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. He said India sive and cooperative approaches based on enhanced fairs, Interior, Overseas Pakistanis and Human Re- has brought controversial legislation to change the economic partnerships. He said Pakistan is emerg- source Development and Economic Affairs Division, demographic structure of the disputed territory. He ing as the gateway to landlocked Central Asia and as well as the Board of Investment. said Pakistan is looking towards positive role of the Afghanistan. VoM During the visit, besides having wide-ranging talks Pakistan, Tunisia Diplomatic Deliberations PAF remembered’ Economic Diplomacy Pakistan, Tunisia hold bilateral political consultations ‘1965 war hero MM Vowing partnership, Uzbekistan delegation Pakistan, Tunisian agree for high-level ex- The transformational China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Alam on his 8th death calls on Minister for Maritime Affairs changes, bilateral cooperation through specific (CPEC) was also highlighted by the Foreign Secretary. He Uzbekistan eyes Gwadar Port as gate- level delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Vice initiatives anniversary way for seaborne cotton exports: report Minister of Railways Akmal Kamalov and the KARACHI ISLAMABAD offered by this important project. ISLAMABAD country’s Ambassador to Pakistan Oybek Arif Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and his Tunisian coun- The Foreign Secretary lauded Tunisian efforts for regional Uzbekistan delegation headed by Deputy Usmanov, visited the port a day before yes- called upon Tunisia to consider the beneficial opportunities popularly known as M M Alam was remembered terpart, Secretary of State Ambassador Mohamed Ali Nafti, peace and apprised his counterpart of Pakistan’s positive Chairman Uzbekistan Railways Akmal terday, according to a press release from the The(Thursday) “1965 War on Hero”his 8th Muhammad death anniversary Mahmood to Alam, pay virtually held the 3rd round of Bilateral Political Consulta- contribution to Afghan peace process. Appreciating Tuni- Kamalov on Wednesday called on Federal China Overseas Ports Holding Co, the port’s glowing tributes for his heroics unforgettable ser- tions (BPC) today. The exchanges covered the full spectrum sia’s role as non-permanent member of UN Security Coun- Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider operator. Accompanied by Gwadar Port of bilateral relations and regional & international issues of vices. Legendary war hero MM Alam’s record of cil, the Foreign Secretary thanked Tunisia for its principled Zaidi here at his office. Federal Secretary Authority Chairman Naseer Khan Kashani common interest. Mutual collaboration at the regional and position on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute at the UN & OIC. Ministry of Maritime Affairs Maritime Rizwan and Zhang Baozhong, chairman of the China multilateral fora was also reviewed. Both sides highlighted the convergence between their lead- minute remains unbeaten. Ahmed was also present, said a press release. Overseas Ports Holding Co, the delegation The Foreign Secretary underscored the importance Pakistan ership in fostering regional peace and stability and the need shootingAlam, nicknamed down five as Indian ‘Little warDragon’ planes popularly, in less than while a attaches to its historic and long-standing fraternal ties with to counter Islamophobia through collective endeavours — The delegation apprised the Minister about observed the loading/offloading of cargoes including by correct projection of Islam’s message of peace their visit to the ports in Karachi and Gwadar by a containership operated by Chinese ship- and harmony and promotion of inter-faith harmony world- and both sides agreed on a joint working ping giant COSCO Shipping Holdings. They pilotingwar and analtogether, F-86 Sabre, downed shot ninedown war five planes Indian in war the Tunisiaculture and reaffirmedscience & technology. the resolve Thereto deepen was cooperationagreement on in wide. VoM group for future coordination. It is noted that discussed the matter of regional connectivity theboth fields sides of to trade, upgrade investments, the overall security, economic defence, relationship education, and planes in less than a minute during 1965 Pak-India Uzbekistan, one of the world’s leading cotton and the possibility of building and investing in bring it at par with the excellent political ties. for PAF, listed on top in the hall of famers’ list at the exporters, sent a high-level delegation earlier a logistics park at the Gwadar free trade area, The Foreign Secretary highlighted Pakistan’s economic se- aerialPAF Museum fight.MM in Alam Karachi. was theAlam first is everconsidered fighter pilotas a this week to the Chinese-invested Gwadar Port according to Global Times on Thursday. On his curity paradigm and the focus on geo-economics. In particu- lar, the Prime Minister’s central emphasis on peace, develop- in Pakistan to look for logistics opportunities WeChat account, Zhang noted that Uzbekistan ment and connectivity was highlighted. that might help it export its cotton, the Global is the world’s sixth-largest producer and sec- nationalwas awarded. hero for Pakistan, most significantly, for his Times has learned. Analysts said the move ond-largest exporter of cotton. He also wrote The Foreign Secretary apprised his counterpart of ‘Engage remarkable show of brilliance in the war of 1965 he Africa’ initiative aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s diplomatic highlighted the big potential demand countries that Uzbekistan is pushing for a diplomatic footprint in Africa and deepening economic engagement India and was the eldest of 11 siblings. No one in have for an international public facility such as move among Central Asian countries, includ- with the Continent. Welcoming the initiative, the Secretary Thehis family war hero before was him born had on been July 6,part 1935, of the in Calcutta,military, the Gwadar Port, a deep-water port that may ing top-level diplomatic visits to Tajikistan and of State offered Tunisian support in the advancement of this and in fact, he joined the armed forces against his open a coveted sea trade option for landlocked Turkmenistan, for a southbound logistics cor- outreach in the North African region. father’s will. VoM Central Asian countries. A 16-member high- ridor via the Gwadar Port.

Geopolitics Global Market Election looming, hardliners sabotage goal to lift Dollar trembles after Fed pushes back against rate sanctions: says Rouhani hike conjecture So far, Iran and the Biden admin- curbs to its nuclear programme in for the lifting of the sanctions,” Rouhani istration are at loggerheads over return for the lifting of international said on Wednesday. The Americans, he Ultimately, the market was kind of ish, and maybe the fact that those rate hikes rises in long-term interest rates and keep them which side should move first to sanctions. After Trump quit the pact said, are willing to return to the deal. positioned for something a little bit are pushed out to 2023 has been enough to steady ahead of the central bank’s review this revive the agreement, with Tehran and reimposed sanctions, Iran took However, he added: “Words are not more hawkish, and maybe the fact cause some decent dollar selling.” week on how it will make its stimulus policy demanding Washington first lift steps that violate the deal’s nuclear enough. We are waiting for action.” that those rate hikes are pushed out to The U.S. central bank now sees the economy more sustainable. sanctions and Washington calling limits. Rouhani’s close ally Foreign Minister 2023 has been enough to cause some The British pound traded at $1.3946, having on Tehran first to resume compli- So far, Iran and the Biden administra- Javad Zarif said this week that unless decent dollar selling largest annual jump in gross domestic product ance with the deal tion are at loggerheads over which progress is made soon on restoring NEW YORK growingsince 1984. 6.5% Inflation this year, is now which expected would to exceedbe the The Bank of England is expected to keep its DUBAI side should move first to revive the the nuclear deal, diplomacy would be The U.S. dollar was on the defensive on the Fed’s 2% target to 2.4% this year, although gainedbenchmark about Bank 0.5% Rate overnight. at a historic low of 0.1% Iran’s pragmatist president accused agreement, with Tehran demanding halted for months by Iran’s presiden- Thursday after the Federal Reserve signaled it officials think it will move back to around 2% and its bond-buying program unchanged at hardline opponents on Wednesday of Washington first lift sanctions and tial election scheduled for June 18. was in no hurry to raise interest rates through in subsequent years. obstructing efforts to lift U.S. sanctions, Washington calling on Tehran first On Tuesday France’s foreign minister all of 2023 even as it saw a swift recovery in The 10-year U.S. Treasuries yield edged back to what we’ve seen from the Fed, the Bank in remarks that demonstrate how an to resume compliance with the deal. blamed Iranian pre-election politics for the world’s largest economy. The dollar’s up to about 1.6710% and was nearing a more- 895of England billion willpounds talk uplater their in theprospects day. “Similar of the upcoming election in Iran is now loom- “Today, conditions are better than ever hindering the nuclear deal’s revival. index against six major currencies stood at than-one-year high. economy relative to where we’ve been, but at ing over the new US administration’s 91.488. It had hit a two-week low of 91.340 Against the yen, the dollar slipped 0.2% to as the same time emphasize that we’re still a long plan for a thaw. “It is a great betrayal after remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell low as 108.620 yen after a Nikkei report said way from full recovery,” said Rodrigo Catril, of the Iranian nation if any faction or dampened speculation the stronger economic the Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to slightly senior currency strategist at National Australia person delays the end of the sanctions outlook could propel the central bank to wind widen an implicit band at which it allows Bank in Sydney. even for one hour,” Hassan Rouhani back its stimulus. long-term interest rates to move around its “We expect the BoE to gently warn against said in televised remarks. - 0% target. A recent poll showed two thirds of the shift in market pricing from a rate cut to “The small minority that is obstructing ing close to its one-week high of $1.19900 Japanese firms had expected the BOJ to curb this path needs to stop its destructive Theafter euro rallying eased 0.6% to $1.19655,on Wednesday. but was “What hover the years.” The Australian dollar rose to a two- act. If it stops … the government can Fed said is a very market-friendly outcome. around 50bps of hikes over the next three break the sanctions,” Rouhani added It’s negative for the dollar, good for inflation Zealand counterpart briefly lost momentum without elaborating. The new US ad- expectations,” said Chris Weston, the head weekafter the high country of $0.78350, posted a surprise whereas contraction its New ministration of President Joe Biden of research at Pepperstone Markets, a for- in GDP in the final three months of last year. aims to revive an agreement aban- eign exchange broker based in Melbourne. doned by his predecessor Donald “Ultimately, the market was kind of posi- bounced from Tuesday’s one-week low of Trump, under which Iran accepted tioned for something a little bit more hawk- Bitcoin held firm at $58,954.64, having

$53,221.

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