A country without a strong leader will go down.

President of Turkey

Recep Tayyip Erdogan

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F .theasiantelegraph.net Broader engagement Despite surge in in CPEC to uplift coronavirus cases, economic activities political orphans trying to in region create instability: Shibli ISLAMABAD KARACHI Minister for Information and Broadcasting With the smooth sailing of China Pakistan Economic Senator Shibli Faraz said on Sunday that at a Corridor (CPEC) project, Pakistan is foreseeing massive time when coronavirus cases had registered an economic activity during days ahead. An appreciable upsurge, some political orphans were trying to outcome of a novel Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of the create instability in the country. Chinese government, Pakistan becomes the key player Addressing a press conference along with in the regional economic activity. This project would Minister for Science and not only earn billions of dollars revenue through trade Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain here, but also generate thousands of jobs for the local people besides infrastructure development, power generation opposition claimed that they would hold a long hemarch, said tender that in resignations the first phase from of the agitation assemblies the and projects in transportation, railways, agriculture, but nothing happened and the entire protest science and technology and tourism sectors. One key outcome of the CPEC is the construction of them. Special Economic Zones under construction across the movementHe said that fizzled the outPDM as leadership the people was rejected also country through Pak-China joint venture. Keeping in view the importance of the project, number of other Prime Minister Imran Khan and suffered more countries had also been showing interest off and on, to Climate Change frustratedhumiliation over in the the Senate vote Chairman of confidence and Deputy of the invest in the project.The economic activity in the coun- Chairman elections. The minister said that they try is gaining momentum after the commencement of Pakistan’s climate policies gained global were trying to create unrest in the country as second phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor they see their political death in stability and economic development in the country. (CPEC) that largely consists of industrial cooperation Although the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) planned recognition: PM the Pakistan government under the vision of under the umbrella of China Pakistan Economic PM to inaugurate first-ever Islamabad Security Dialogue on Wednesday HePrime said Minister that during Imran the firstKhan phase adopted of coronavirus, a strategy Corridor (CPEC) are basically meant to relocate ISLAMABAD and it was working towards the Imran Khan’s vision of peace, re- which proved very effective and successful and Chinese industry and investment but both the coun- Prime Minister Imran Khan Sun- creation of 15 new national parks. gional connectivity and develop- was appreciated by the entire world. He said tries have already offered third party participation in day said environment policies of It was also launching a $ 500 mil- ment partnerships with the world. that the PTI government followed the policy of the mega project. The countries including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan Tehreek i Insaf were be- lion green Eurobond and will soon It has been organized by the NSD protecting lives and livelihood so that daily wage Qatar, Iran, Middle Eastern states and some Western ing recognised globally. In a tweet provide a monetary valuation of in collaboration with its Adviso- employees were saved from starvation. countries have already showed interest to invest spe- on social media platform Twitter, its green space making its worth ry Board comprising five leading He said despite the coronavirus, the economy he said especially the govern- cially in the Industrial zones. clear and easier to protect. think tanks of the country. Prime had been stabilized and all economic indicators ment’s green recovery programme As a pandemic devastated the Minister Imran Khan will inaugu- The third party involvement in CPEC is win-win for from the Covid 19 pandemic and vaccination frontline workers and citizens over all as the participation would help the foreign compa- globe and climate change threat- rate the conference while Army the climate action plan were be- ened our way of life, our rela- Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa were65 were positive. being Hevaccinated said that and in inthe the first Punjab, phase the of nies to flourish their business by availing the lucrative ing appreciated by the world. tionship with nature demanded a will be the guest of honour on the process was going on in an organized method facilities offered by the Pakistan government besides According to World Economic Fo- rethink. One million animal and second day. and the other provinces should follow that enabling Pakistan to boost its exports to the potential rum (WEF), in three ways Pakistan plant species worldwide were at At the event, the Prime Minister method. world market. Chinese authorities have also acknowl- was building a greener future. risk of extinction. will also launch the first of its He said that the government was receiving edged the importance of broader participation in CPEC Pakistan had pledged to source Investing in the nature economy kind Advisory Portal of the Na- messages of congratulations from the people for and SEZs. VoM 60 percent of energy from renew- could generate 395 million jobs tional Security Division. the well organized vaccination campaign in the ables by 2030. It had cancelled by 2030, the WEF says. National The security conference is a province. VoM coal projects replacing them with Security Division (NSD) will hold strategic forum envisioned as hydroelectric power. first ever Islamabad Security Dia- Pakistan’s leading intellectual It had created more than 85000 logue on Wednesday. According to platform, parallel to existing re- green jobs from plant care to pro- the NSD, the two-day conference nowned fora like the Munich Se- tection of forests. Pakistan was is aimed at unveiling Pakistan’s curity Conference held every year training 5000 young people to be new strategic direction based on in Germany and the US Aspen nature guardians. Pakistan was a comprehensive security frame- Dialogue on the national security investing in green space and had work in line with Prime Minister among others. VoM attracted $ 180 million in funding Senate Election Pakistan appreciate the PDM Long March Videos of bribery, corruption marred entire resolve of the Libyan Fawad advises PDM leaders to call off their Senate election: Qureshi people for peace and long march decision 218(3) of Constitution as had also security Long march was unlawful under N leader Javed Latif’s anti-Pakistan Sadly, recent videos of bribery & cor- been reiterated by the Supreme Court ISLAMABAD Charter of Democracy signed be- statement was highly painful and con- ruption have marred entire election of Pakistan in a recent opinion. The Foreign Office Spokesman Sun- tween Nawaz Sharif and Shaheed demnable, which was clear negation (and) put question mark on integrity In an earlier tweet, the foreign minis- day said Pakistan welcomed the Benazir Bhutto of PPP leader Asif Zardari’s popular of ballots cast in (Islamabad) Senate ter said the secret ballot only ensured endorsement by the Libyan Par- ISLAMABAD slogan “Pakistan Khappay” after mar- the power of the wallet, reiterating Federal Minister for Science and Tech- tyrdom of BB Shaheed. Election his party’s call for open ballot in the liament to the cabinet proposed He said that both Nawaz Sharif and Al- by the Prime Minister-designate nology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Sun- ISLAMABAD Senate election to ensure transpar- day advised the PDM leaders to call off taf Hussain were the gifts of 80s poli- Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood ency and discourage the use of money of Libya and the successful forma- its long march decision and sit togeth- tics and they had no political princi- Qureshi Sunday said that the recent to buy the way to the Upper House tion of the Government of National er with the electoral reforms commit- ples when it was the matter of getting videos of bribery and corruption had of Parliament.The Senate chairman Unity. tee to have their useful input accepted vested political interests for them. marred the entire election of Senate. thanked the foreign minister for vis- In a statement he said, “We wish by the government. The minister added that it was a great “Sadly, recent videos of bribery & iting him. the Libyan parliamentary and po- He said that long march was unlawful unfortunate that the national politics corruption have under Charter of Democracy signed was made hostage at the hands of po- marred entire litical leaderships every success.” “We appreciate the resolve of the between Nawaz Sharif and Shaheed litically immature leaders. election (and) Benazir Bhutto and added, we can Commending the NAB’s move of re- put question Libyan people for peace and secu- jecting the bail application of Maryam rity, which has led to this outcome. scarify our government for the sack of mark on integ- democracy. Nawaz, the Federal Minister said the rity of ballots We also acknowledge the positive - cast in (Islam- role played by the UN Support Mis- by Minister for Information and ence over the National Accountability abad) Senate sion in Libya (UNSMIL), as well AddressingBroadcasting a pressShibli conference Faraz at PID flanked here governmentBureau (NAB) has and no courts. control Maryam’s or influ Election,” the as the efforts of the UN Secretary Sunday, the Federal Minister said the willingness to leave for London would foreign minister General’s Special Envoy for Libya.” ups and downs are part of politics said on Twitter. and one should not have cross the red Nawaz had to decide either he wants He said the Elec- “Pakistan accords high importance to its historically close and cordial lines after defeating. notto return be fulfilled, the public he said money and added or go that to tion Commis- Javed Latif is merely a puppet of his jail. sion of Pakistan ties with Libya. We remain com- Fawad said the federal government mitted to advancing our bilateral political masters. There would have was mandated no issue if Senate election were held has provided Rs 1600 billion to Sindh to hold Senate cooperation as well as coordina- through open balloting, he said and government but even then, he added, Elections 2021 tion at the regional and interna- added that those who wanted to fol- the Sindh Chief Minister says he is not in accordance tional fora,” he concluded. low MQM founder must look into their answerable to the center nor he is un- with Article fate. Fawad Chaudhry said that PML- der the federal government. Global Issue Pentagon chief sees Asia ties as deterrent Houthi spokesman attempts to retract group’s against China rejection of US peace plan for Yemen ‘We still maintain that edge. We DUBAI Abdul-Salam said the Houthis retweeted the post which are going to increase that edge The Houthi militia’s official see that “there’s nothing new” said it is a “clarification” that going forward’ spokesman has attempted to in the US envoy’s proposal, the Houthis did not reject the HONOLULU retract the group’s implicit adding that “it represents the Oman-sponsored peace talks. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said rejection of a recent US peace Saudi and international vision.” “[Abdul-Salam] only expressed on Saturday he was traveling to Asia proposal by sharing a “clarifi- However, the militia group ap- reservations towards the cur- to boost military cooperation with cation” Twitter post claiming pears to have backtracked its rent state of Lenderking’s American allies and foster “credible that “discussions” over the plan blatant rejection stance later peace plan,” the tweet by a deterrence” against China. “were still ongoing.” on. Almasirah TV anchor said. Austin kicked off via Hawaii, seat of Houthi spokesman Mohammed On Saturday Abdul-Salam “He confirmed that discussions the American military command for Abdul-Salam earlier expressed shared a Twitter post from an about it are still ongoing,” the the Indo-Pacific region, his first foreign the group’s rejection of US interview with Almasirah TV anchor added. visits as Pentagon chief. envoy to Yemen Timothy where he had spoken about the Lenderking, speaking at an “This is all about alliances and partner- Lenderking’s proposal for a US peace plan. online forum organized by the ships,” he told reporters on the trip that would want to take on the US,” he added. Chinese counterparts Wang Yi and Yang nationwide ceasefire in Yemen. The Houthi spokesperson Atlantic Council think tank on is to include meetings with key allies in Lloyd will be joined in Tokyo and Seoul Jiechi. Friday, said that “a sound plan” Tokyo, New Delhi and Seoul. by Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Alaska talks will be the first be- has been put before the Houthi “It’s also about enhancing capabilities,” “One of the things that the secretary tween the powers since Yang met leadership for “a number of he added, recalling that while the United of state and I want to do is begin to Blinken’s hawkish predecessor Mike days.” States was focused on the anti-militant strengthen those alliances,” he said. Pompeo in June in Hawaii – a setting But it appears the group is pri- struggle in the Middle East, China was “This will be more about listening and similarly far from the high-stakes glare oritizing a military offensive to modernizing its army at high speed. learning, getting their point of view.” of national capitals. take Marib, said Lenderking, “That competitive edge that we’ve had This tour in Asia of the heads of diplo- The Biden administration has generally who was on a 17-day trip to has eroded,” he said. “We still maintain macy and defense of the United States backed the tougher approach to China the region to revive efforts to that edge. We are going to increase that follows an unprecedented summit of the initiated by former president Donald end the six-year conflict. edge going forward.” “Quad,” an informal alliance born in the Trump, but has also insisted that it The Yemeni government and “Our goal is to make sure that we have 2000s to counterbalance a rising China. can be more effective by shoring up Saudi Arabia were said to have the capabilities and the operational Blinken will join President Joe Biden’s alliances and seeking narrow ways to given their approval for the plans... to be able to offer a credible de- national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, cooperate on priorities such as climate plan. terrence to China or anybody else who in Anchorage on March 18 with their change. Monday, March 15, 2021

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Editor-in-Chief: Amna Malik Navigating Democratic patterns Editor: Muhammad Hassam Assistant Editor:Syed Mushahid Naqvi arrangement that comprises elections, a pluralistic party sonal dignity upon the outrages and cruel treatments Phone: + 92 51 2814017 Offce # 407/408, 4th Floor, Evacuee system, and separation of powers. Liberal democracy has has deprived the humanitarian purposes by hampering become a political system in the world order which is left efforts of any legal efforts to contain the violations of Trust, Agha Khan Road, F-5/1 Islamabad to the internal discretion of a sovereign state. human rights. On the other hand, in the framework of human rights, Consequently, the manipulation involved in liberal demo- despite the elements being present within the political cratic practices of States has aggravated the issues of the structure of democracy, it has individuals as a point of conflicts deliberately. The dynamics of war concerning reference rather than a political order. Human Rights the damages have only improved awareness of human Discourse of Social Syed Mushahid Naqvi have been universalized in terms of their application rights. Even with the legally binding nature, individuals regardless of what the political system is present within have faced the consequences that indicate the loopholes conflicts rom a rhetorical, perspective, a truly democratic state a State. The status of International Humanitarian Law of the law and political structure itself. The pointing out withF an idealistic approach encompasses the protection in the sovereign nation-state is limited because of the of the violations with little to no willingness of acknowl- ocial conflicts are being motivated on bases of perceived val- of all humans to be secured and respected. True democ- internal discretion of the State and thus they cannot be edging the ongoing violations done by the States, pre- ues, need, interests and these are the basic rudiments behind it. racy suggests electoral processes and requires individual held accountable for they maltreat or treat their citizens. cisely major powers (protectors of liberal democratic Different groups have different ideologies; traditional values that opinions that have the right to elect the government for Because the infringements upon the dignity of humans order), is detrimental to the application of exercising form their roots and results in unconscious states of discrimina- their betterment. But the freely elected government can- have raised grave concerns that outline the loopholes human rights universally. The complex phenomena of vi- tion among them and other group which some what shape the not ensure individual rights or democratic rule hence it of international humanitarian law. The serious conse- olence with subjectivity attached to it cannot completely assumptions about difference of human behavior. This difference requires accountability in the political structures. Recent quences have put forward the rule of accountability and regulate the solutions to eradicate the war because there results in building of social barrier that on the later stage due to suppres- history has confirmed the undemocratic patterns of gov- the skepticism fall since the perpetrators of these viola- is no singular truth to predict the nature of states and Ssion, aggression or internal tensions and pressures results in destructive ernment under the shadow of democratic norms.For tions describe the legal bindings of this law. These side their political structures. Despite the penalty involved approach of psychological conflict. The analysis of conflict actually focuses democracy to flourish and take its roots, governments with the ones committing acts of violence and promoting in the legal aspects of protecting human rights, there are on the group’s linkage and their structural condition as societal oppression have to exercise individual rights with a common un- the notion of democracy since their interest becomes a no limitations involved in describing the State’s behav- and economic exploitation results in increase of diverse relation. According to derstanding, internal will for bringing change, common source of attraction to promote a liberal democratic order ior. States follow the pragmatic approach solely based Freud concept of basic instinctive and biological roots results in subconscious agreement, and succeeding without any violation of in- in world politics. on political, economic, social, and cultural structures to pleasure and when any kind of barrier comes in it develops a conflicting dividuals. Access to power as per the rule of law. Fair Additionally, in the contemporary analysis repression of determine the direct behavior of other States while wag- behavior on social economic, political terms. Prompt perceptual prejudices and periodic free elections as per universal suffrage and violation by carrying the façade of democracy is a tool ing a war or putting an end to it. Therefore, the support due to social categorization results in creation of division among the groups. secret ballots to respect the will of people. Pluralistic, free signified by the West as the reality of the armed conflicts of democracy is not the only way to end the atrocities A social and psychological context explains the structure of conflict that and independent media. These elements provide a sig- has remained unchanged. The destruction, loss, suffer- but the trial proceedings without the biasness for major arose from the competition for power or control of resource. Another major nificant link to human rights. However, these links have ings, and deaths have continued inexorably because of powers or any political order can curb the heinous acts theme that is extracted from socio psychological approach is of fear as im- been documented and are not legally binding. The exist- the civilians facing the brunt of the armed conflicts to which again are very idealistic to be practical. portant psychological aspect of conflict or violence. Fear results in increase ence of a policy document does not necessarily qualify to date. With the increasing trends of humanizing policies of pigeonhole descriptions of opponents, perceived threats, misinterpreta- legally ascertain its value. Until recently, because of their and the prevalence of liberal order, the global civilians Mushaid Hussain Naqvi is the Assistant Editor tion of actions, false intentions. This concept of fear further lead toward the unbinding nature, human rights and democracy are re- continue to bear the displacements, deliberate attacks, at TAT and Sub-Editor at Melange International destructive approach of conflict, fear is chained in the process of escalation garded as separate phenomenon that bear little relation and demolition of the infrastructure that threatens the Magazine toward violence. As lack of needs, suppression of inherited norms results in to each other. Democracy is denned as a constitutional cores of human rights and freedom. The damage to per- intensification of negative feelings and depicting that opponent will further violate and deprive them of their rights. This concept of fear can be looked through the lens of power relation as how objective and subjective needs of Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect The Asian Telegraph point-of-view one group varies with other. Fear of power asymmetry results in disparity of resources among both groups and increase the struggle through violent means which results in conflict acceleration. Today in History Maritime Tourism Robust

idst of technological advancement trends and efficient March 15, 2019 - Christchurch, New Zealand mosque attacks transportation interconnectivity mechanisms, global maritime tourism witnessed resounding growth in recent n the afternoon of March 15, manifesto, which professed his racist Zealand since 1997. Also in contrast ate aftermath, creating a commission years. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s coastline belt remained 2019, a gunman attacked two dif- and xenophobic beliefs, positively refer- to the United States, the government to study the issue. The next month, the in doldrums, yet to mark its triumph through becoming Oferent mosques in Christchurch, enced the genocide of Bosnian Muslims of New Zealand vowed to implement government passed a law banning semi- Panacea of domestic economic woes by aligning contours New Zealand during Friday Prayer, and called U.S. President Donald Trump new laws that would help prevent such automatic weapons and their compo- of maritime tourism with the blue economy. The 1050 KM long coastal killing 51, wounding 40, and deeply “a symbol of renewed white identity and a stunning act of violence from occur- nents and instituting a buy-back period Mbelt configures interprovincial geographic proximities between Sindh and scarring a nation that had, until this common purpose.” In contrast to the ring again. The administration of Prime for weapons that would become illegal. Baluchistan which also linchpin imperatives of strategic resources and se- point, believed itself to be safe from United States, where mass shootings Minister Jacinda Ardern, the world’s By the end of the year, the government curity exigencies of the country, withal extraordinary beauty of its beaches, the scourges of gun violence and far- have become common, the incident youngest female head of government, had received over 56,000 guns and over fascinating ecological sites and archeological heritage offers diversified op- right terrorism. It was one of the dark- was the first mass shooting in New prioritized gun control in the immedi- 194,000 gun parts. portunities to unfold prospects of optimum maritime tourism growth in est and deadliest days in New Zealand’s the region. Appraisal suggests, given the potential that coastline belt offers, history. The gunman, an Australian a new maritime tourism corridor can be established to attain far-fetched with ties to the racist and xenophobic manifold socio-economic benefits. First, it would offer extensive pathways Identitarian Movement in his native of strengthening the economic fortunes of the entire belt which considerably country, opened fire at the Al Noor remain dispossessed. Secondly, it will robust the mainstream tourism sector Mosque around 1:40pm, while several and in foreseeable future can serve as a key driver to outscore other Asian hundred people were inside for Friday maritime tourism industries by attracting the majority of global tourists. Prayer. After several minutes of indis- Thirdly, the construction of an entirely new industry would pave employment criminate gunfire, he drove about three and foreign direct investment opportunities through refurbishing social and miles to the Linwood Islamic Center, economic architecture of two major provinces which relatively remained de- where he repeated his actions but in- prived. However, mere rhetoric cannot bring substantial fallouts, on practical flicted less damage, partially due to the grounds over years, the expansion of maritime tourism remained insignifi- efforts of a worshipper who attacked cant due to government insularity in fostering cross-cutting policy aspects the gunman and successfully captured and averting deficient competitive maritime touristic facilities. Although the one of his guns. The assailant fled but resilient counterinsurgency efforts by law enforcement agencies made the was captured less than half an hour environment conducive for tourism activities but misperceptions of security after he began his attack.As news of vulnerability tarnished the image of the region and geographical constraints the massacre spread across the globe, left it untapped even for local populace. authorities discovered the shooter’s

Kids’ Choice Awards Reunion NASA’s Perseverance rover ready to ‘iCarly’ Cast Hypes Up Fans for Their Revival During search for life on Mars 2021 Kids’ Choice Awards Reunion WASHINGTON he tweeted. Perseverance’s prime mission will After seven months in space, NASA’s last just over two years but it is likely to re- LOS ANGELES party?” Trainor asked, with Kress Perseverance rover overcame a tense landing main operational well beyond that, with its The iCarly crew has entered the replying, “We hand out a blimp.” phase with a series of perfectly executed ma- predecessor Curiosity still functioning eight building! ViacomCBS’ rebranded stream- neuvers to gently float down to the Martian years after landing on the planet, said NASA Miranda Cosgrove, Jerry Trainor ing service Paramount+. The soil Thursday and embark on its mission acting administrator Steve Jurczyk. “It’ll be on and Nathan Kress reunited dur- show followed Cosgrove’s Carly to search for signs of past life. “Touchdown Mars for its entire life,” he said, adding “these ing the 2021 Nickelodeon Kids’ Shay as her internet show, iCarly, confirmed,” said operations lead Swati Mohan robots tend to be really reliable.” Choice Awards on Saturday. became a success. Trainor por- at 3:55 p.m. Eastern Time (2055 GMT), as Over the coming years, Perseverance will The stars of the sitcom -- and trayed Carly’s brother, Spencer, mission control at NASA’s Jet Propulsion attempt to collect 30 rock and soil samples its upcoming revival -- took the while Kress played her best Laboratory in Pasadena erupted in cheers. in sealed tubes, to be eventually sent back to stage to close the show and pre- friend, Freddie. All three actors The autonomously guided procedure was in Earth sometime in the 2030s for lab analysis. sent this year’s KCA for Favorite are set to reprise their roles. fact completed more than 11 minutes earlier, About the size of an SUV, the craft weighs Movie. Before they hit the stage, the trio the length of time it took for radio signals to a ton, is equipped with a seven foot- (two “This is so great to be back here posed for photos on the orange return to Earth. Shortly after landing, the meter-) long robotic arm, has 19 cameras, and together again with you carpet. rover sent back its first black-and-white im- two microphones and a suite of cutting-edge guys. And also, our show is com- Production is currently under- ages, revealing a rocky field at the landing instruments to assist in its scientific goals. ing back,” Cosgrove expressed. way and in January, Cosgrove site in the Jezero Crater, just north of the Red “We need to celebrate! I’m think- shared a photo of herself with Planet’s equator. More images, video of the ing balloons, fireworks, t-shirt Kress and Trainor from the set. descent and perhaps the first sounds of Mars cannons, confetti in the shape of The revival is described “as a new ever recorded by microphones are expected our faces and then we throw an chapter for the most successful in the coming hours as the rover relays data all night pizza party paid for by kids’ sitcom of all time,” where to overhead satellites. someone else,” added Trainor. Cosgrove, Kress and Trainor “join US President Joe Biden hailed the “historic” Kress then said, “That all sounds new friends for a look at these event. “Today proved once again that with good or we do something even characters’ present-day lives, ad- the power of science and American ingenu- cooler.” ventures and comedic mishaps,” ity, nothing is beyond the realm of possibility,” “What’s cooler than a free pizza per Deadline.

US and allies promise one billion jabs for South East Asia WASHINTON Asean is a 10-member international Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said. The leaders of the US, Australia, India body that represents more than 500 The Quad group is often regarded as and Japan have agreed to deliver one million people. Thailand, Indonesia a counterweight to China’s growing billion doses of coronavirus vaccine and the Philippines are all mem- assertiveness in Asia, and comments to much of Asia by the end of 2022. bers. The Indian company Biological from the four leaders after the meet- The joint commitment was made fol- Ltd will manufacture the extra ing appeared to take indirect aim at lowing the first leaders’ meeting of doses of the Johnson & Johnson jab, Beijing. All nations pledged to defend the so-called Quad - a group formed which received initial World Health a “free and open” continent. in 2007. Organization (WHO) approval on “We’re renewing our commitment to The vaccines - expected to be the sin- Friday. ensure that our region is governed gle-dose Johnson & Johnson product “India’s formidable vaccine produc- by international law, committed to - are set to be manufactured in India. tion capacity will be expanded with upholding universal values and free The US said the “massive joint com- support from Japan, US and Australia,” from coercion,” US President Joe mitment” would initially focus on de- India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi Biden, who chaired the meeting, said livering doses to South East Asia. wrote on Twitter after the meeting. in a statement. “With Indian manufacturing, US The talks on Friday were the group’s Australian Prime Minister Scott technology, Japanese and American first at a leaders’ level, and Mr Modi Morrison said the summit repre- financing and Australian logistics... said “vaccines, climate change, and sented “a new dawn”. Japanese [we] committed to delivering up emerging technologies” were all on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, how- to one billion doses,” US National the agenda. ever, took a more direct line against Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said “The four countries have agreed to a Beijing. He told reporters he had shortly after the virtual summit on plan to pool their financial resources, raised “strong opposition to China’s Friday.He said the vaccines would go manufacturing capabilities and... and unilateral attempts to change the sta- to the Association of South East Asian logistical strengths so as to ramp up tus quo”, adding that the other lead- Nations (Asean) as well as “the Pacific the manufacturing and distribution ers had expressed support for his and beyond”. of Covid-19 vaccines,” Indian Foreign comments. Monday, March 15, 2021

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Stocks rise as political$1.82 billion in the same tensions month of previous year. “In subjectease of leveraged positions, bounced back from line with expectations, the market performed well,” the session’s low, however, by the end of trading sell- said BMA Capital Executive Director Saad Hashmi ing resumed in tech stocks, which brought the index while talking to The Express Tribune. “Looking back down from the session’s high.” Besides, excitement at the history of Pakistan Stock Exchange, it has about Senate elections also had some impact on the been observed that whenever the market declines stock market, where a win on the government’s part TikTok star Charli nearly 2,000-3,000 points, it bounces back,” he added. was considered to be a source of confidence for the Pak-Kuwait Investment Company Head of Research investors. Sectors contributing to the performance d’Amelio dons Zuhair Samiullah Tariq told The Express Tribune that the included cement (+223 points), banks (+151 points), market performed well on the back of diminishing exploration and production (+90 points), power Murad at award show Benchmark index soars 1,008.32 political uncertainty. Shedding light on the impact (+83 points) and oil and gas marketing companies points to settle at 43,788.08 of third wave of coronavirus on Pakistan, Tariq said, (+70 points). Individually, stocks that contributed Bureaau Report “Despite the news of third wave, the market still per- positively to the index included Lucky Cement (+76 KARACHI formed better because so far there were no hints of points), Hubco (+61 points), HBL (+46 points), Contrary to the dominant bearish trend during the a lockdown.” “If the government decides to impose Pakistan State Oil (+43 points) and Systems Limited week, the benchmark KSE-100 index skyrocketed lockdown, the news will impact the market nega- (+43 points). Stocks that contributed negatively over 1,000 points on the last day of trading week, tively, however, chances of lockdown are extremely were Azgard Nine (-9 points), Engro Corporation (-6 surpassing the 43,000-point mark. The positive per- low.” Earlier, trading kicked off with a spike and the points), TRG Pakistan (-4 points), Abbott Laboratories formance came on the back of fading cloud of political uptrend continued for most of the day. Towards the (-2 points) and Shifa International Hospitals (-2 uncertainty as investors were optimistic about the end, the market wiped off some of the gains as voting points). Overall trading volumes rose to 442.6 mil- Senate chairman election. According to the election for the Senate chairman slot began. Still, the market lion shares compared with Thursday’s tally of 406.1 results, announced after the trading session, incum- managed to close in the green. At close, the bench- million. The value of shares traded during the day was bent Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani was re-elected mark KSE-100 index recorded an increase of 1,008.32 Rs21.6 billion. Shares of 412 companies were traded. to the chair of the upper house, defeating Pakistan points, or 2.36%, to settle at 43,788.08 points. Arif At the end of the day, 321 stocks closed higher, 74 de- Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate Yousuf Raza Habib Limited, in its report, stated that post-clearance clined and 17 remained unchanged. Unity Foods was Gilani. In addition to that, the flow of workers’ re- of leveraged positions of individual investors, the the volume leader with 88.3 million shares, gaining mittances into Pakistan remained strong above $2 market bounced back with a jump of 1,206 points Rs1.27 to close at Rs26.56. It was followed by TRG billion for the ninth successive month in February during the session and closed with a net increase of Pakistan with 38.8 million shares, losing Rs0.34 to DUBAI 2021. According to data released by the State Bank 1,008 points. Cement and steel-sector stocks contrib- close at Rs119.99 and Jahangir Siddiqui and Company The 2021 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards took place of Pakistan, the country received remittances worth uted significantly to the surge in the KSE-100 index, with 17.7 million shares, losing Rs1.42 to close at on Saturday evening, bringing a clutch of actors, sing- $2.26 billion in February, which was 24% higher than the report added. “Technology stocks, which were the Rs18.98. ers and social media stars together at part in-person, part virtual ceremony. Qatar credit growth tops $274.6bn in Dubai launches incubation cen- Hosted by “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Nickelodeon alum Keenan Thompson, the broadcast, 2020 says CB chief ter for young entrepreneurs which celebrates kids’ favorite TV shows, movies not affect financing policy, the Bureaau Report “Our objective is to support young entre- and games was notably not short on glamorous style Coronavirus pressures will keep Qatar News Agency reported DUBAI preneurs to develop their skills and expe- moments. provisioning costs for Qatari on Sunday. Dubai has launched a business incuba- riences in the world of entrepreneurship, Stars brought their fashion A-game to the virtual event. banks high, said Moody’s in a Doha is spending billions of tion center for young entrepreneurs in which will be reflected in business and Case in point: American TikTok star Charli D’Amelio report earlier this month dollars in preparation for host- the fields of tourism, franchising and e- economic development across the UAE,” who turned heads on the step and repeat wearing a More Chinese compa- Bureaau Report ing next year’s FIFA World Cup commerce, state news agency WAM has said the center’s founder and CEO Fahad gown from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad’s Spring MADRID which has seen the country’s big reported. The Tjaarz Business Incubation bin Thani. 2021 ready-to-wear collection. nies seeking listings in The Qatari central bank gover- banks extend credit across the Center, located in one of the emirate’s The center will also support specific entre- The 16-year-old, who took home the Female Social nor said domestic credit growth entire economy. major business districts, will offer busi- preneurial activities such as production of Star Award, chose a sheer black, strapless dress with Hong Kong market exceeded QR1 trillion ($274.57 Despite the latest comments by ness development consulting and work perfumes and specialty beverages. It has a corseted bodice and a point d’esprit tulle midi skirt Bureaau Report billion) last year, shrugging off the country’s central bank chief, spaces on a membership basis. laboratories and specialized courses in with Chantilly lace embroidery. She elevated the look BEIJING the impact of the pandemic. coronavirus pressures will keep The center was launched by Dubai SME, these fields. Gulf economies have recently with a pair of black, strappy pumps. More Chinese companies are seeking to Government efforts to deal with provisioning costs for Qatari a government agency mandated to sup- been investing in the region’s startup The TikTok star, who rose to fame for performing cho- raise funds in the Hong Kong market, the COVID-19 pandemic did banks high, said Moody’s in a port small and media-sized enterprises, scene, which vastly contributes to wider reographed dance routines, was joined on the orange which is still seen as an attractive destina- report earlier this month. which is a major component of the UAE’s efforts to veer away from oil dependency. carpet by her older sister Dixie D’Amelio. tion. Bloomberg reported on Friday that “This will be driven by a slow economic strategy. Ten other incubators have been certified Chinese video streaming platform Bilibili economic recovery that will by Dubai SME to support entrepreneurs in Inc. has received the green light from the make it harder for borrowers the Middle East, and help them grow their Model Imaan Hammam Hong Kong stock exchange for its proposed in sectors such as real estate, business for global competitiveness. Dubai second listing. construction and contract- SME chief Abdul Baset Al-Janahi said the launches empowering playlist The report came after news that Chinese ing to repay debt,” said Nitish recent launching of the Tjaarz Business search engine giant Baidu is seeking to raise Bhojnagarwala, vice president Incubation Center “contributes to build- for Women’s History Month as much as HK$28 billion ($3.6 billion) in a — senior credit officer at Moo ing a knowledge economy. secondary listing in Hong Kong, the latest - tion in the city. Tariffs and trade war to be ‘definitely’ covered in US-listedNASDAQ-listed mainland Baidu tech said giant it wouldto eye asell flota 95 million shares in the Hong Kong offering China-US high-level dialogue and the offer price will be no more than HK$295.00 per share, according to the regu- Bureaau Report be a “major topic” for the dialogue later this the trade war, which is now more than three Bloomberg reported that Baidu aims to set BEIJING week. years old, has shown that tariffs only hurt the latory filing on Thursday. Trade issues, particularly the lingering tariffs Yang Jiechi, director of the Office of the Foreign US economy and workers. “The US needs to on March 17 and start trading in Hong Kong war, will “definitely” be on the agenda for the Affairs Commission of the Communist Part of offer an explanation [over its position].” theon March final price 23. At before $3.6 billion, the US it market would beopens the first China-US high-level official dialogue since China’s Central Committee, and Chinese State Since President Biden, who previously blasted biggest homecoming listing of a US-traded Joe Biden took over the White House - but Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi are Trump’s trade war approach, took office, his ad- Chinese company in Hong Kong since JD.com any concrete outcome is unlikely as the focus scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State ministration has signaled that it would continue Inc.’s June 2020 offering, which raised $4.5 will likely be on political and security issues, Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor to collect tariffs, while conducting a review and billion. Chinese trade experts said on Sunday. Also Jake Sullivan in Anchorage, Alaska on Thursday consultations with its allies. However, calls for dimming the prospect for any meaningful dis- and Friday. Asked whether tariffs and US export Biden to drop the tariffs have been growing concerns about the current unfriendly envi- cussions on the bruising trade war waged by controls on China would be part of the talks, within the US, with some studies suggesting DUBAI Chineseronment firms in the listed country, in theand US are have worried growing they Biden’s predecessor Donald Trump were sig- Sullivan said on Friday that “I don’t expect that, that the tariffs have caused a loss of 245,000 In honor of Women’s History Month, Moroccan- might be forced to delist at some point in the nals from Washington that US punitive duties for example, the phase one trade deal is going US jobs. A study from the US-China Business Egyptian-Dutch model Imaan Hammam has launched future, as has already happened to some and the phase one trade agreement would not to be a major topic of conversation next week.” Council predicted that a significant decoupling a new playlist on Spotify and Apple Music titled “zahra - He came out with a list of US grievances against between China and the US could lead to a real min kul bustan,” which translates to “a flower from rector of the Financial Securities Institute at China, including China’s internal policies in GDP dent of $1.6 trillion for the US over the next every garden.” otherWuhan Chinese University firms, of Sciencesaid Dong and Dengxin, Technology. di Hong Kong and Xinjiang. five years and jobs losses of 732,000 in 2022. The new three-hour playlist was curated with the help The Biden administration has continued “I think they have their wish list and we have “Biden has not ended the Trump era unilateral- of Dubai-based Iraqi jewelry designer and music afi- some policies from the Trump period in our own agenda. The dialogue between China ism and protectionism, and has even escalated cionado Zainab Hasoon in collaboration with art and and the US is not only a political dialogue but it in some areas, including a number of export culture platform Afroo Fruits. the US. Chinese state-owned oil giant China will also include economic relations,” Li Yong, controls targeting Huawei and other Chinese “We selected tracks from some of my favorite female crackingNational Offshore down on Oil Chinese Corp became firms thelisted latest in deputy chairman of the Expert Committee of high-tech companies,” Li said, noting that al- artists from all over the world,” Hasoon told Arab News Chinese company to be pushed out of the the China Association of International Trade, lowing politics to distort economics could be of the selection process. “The tracks weren’t limited to New York Stock Exchange on Biden’s watch. told the Global Times on Sunday, adding that “very dangerous.” any specific region or genre,” she added. Indeed, the playlist boasts an array of diverse songs from female artists hailing from all points of the globe, including Toni Braxton, Alicia Keys, Samira Said, Elissa, Sade and Umm Kulthum. Meanwhile, Mexican photographer and digital artist Fabiola Lopez Osorio and Halima Anwar were re- Weaker sides continue to get hammered Emirati and Brazilian jiu- sponsible for dreaming up the artwork and text for the project. jitsu fighters head the list of at National Women’s Football BTS win three gongs at big winners at the 2021 Abu Staff Report apiece into the score-line at the KPT stadium. make her proud, she is with us as we play the Kids’ Choice Awards KARACHI “We have come a long way as far as the na- each time.” Dhabi International Pro Licked, call it crucified, pulverized, or maybe it tional championship is concerned, but we Noor has been off the pitch after giving birth Staff Report Kyrgyzstan, India, France, Canada, is just the fault in the format, when it comes to have a long way to go,” three-time Guinness to her second child and she is hoping to come DUBAI Azerbaijan, Morocco, Afghanistan, the National Women’s Football Championship, World record holder and Pakistan interna- back like she did before after the recovery The 2021 Abu Dhabi International Lebanon, Uzbekistan, Serbia, the kind of flaw that is inherent, the sort that tional Hajra told The Express Tribune after period, but is missing the championship. Pro wrapped up on Saturday at Ireland, Bahrain, Italy, Sweden, can benefit the stronger teams in every way, the first match that they had played against Hajra appreciated the individual prizes that the Jiu-Jitsu Arena with fighters Tajikistan, Iran, the Philippines only for the weaker sides to get ‘lessons’ and Jafa Academy and had scored three goals, that the championship is offering for the best from the UAE, Brazil and Colombia and Iraq. learning through devastating defeats that can too in the first half. The opening matches too player in every position. “Individual awards heading the list of winners among Local UAE athletes showed how look like 15-0 for two matches, and then two saw the surge of goals from stronger sides are good, that will motivate players to be at the local and international 500 par- much of a force they have be- teams scoring eight goals each. that left score-lines looking astonishing with the top of their game, but we still need to ticipants at the two-day event. come on the global stage, topping It is the matter of haves and have-nots, by the 19-0, 16-0 and so on. know who the selection committee is. I try to Organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu the rankings with 43,410 points book of money and resources, facilities, skill “We tried to look more on our own weak- look for the selectors who will be deciding the Federation (UAEJJF), the govern- and 86 combined gold, silver and levels, exposure and general stability in the nesses than just scoring more goals at that worthy players of these awards,” said Hajra. ing body for the sport in the UAE, bronze medals across juvenile, adult environments. As the defending champions point, that is what I told the players before the Abu Dhabi International Pro, a and masters male and female cat- Army registered their second easy win in the match began, that we don’t have to prove key stop on the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu egories. Brazilian athletes finished Group C after trouncing Young Rising Stars anything to anyone,” Hajra added. Meanwhile, Pro (AJP) Tour, welcomed male and second overall with 32,300 points Layyah 15-0 with star player Hajra Khan scor- Army are playing without their beloved cap- female white and blue belts on day and 65 medals, with fellow South ing the hat-trick, Swaiba Sarfaraz scoring an- tain and defender Malika-e-Noor. The outfit one, while purple, brown, and black Americans Colombia in third with other three, Rameen and Aliza Sabir scored are on their hat-trick run, having two cham- belts took center stage on day two. 20 medals and 10,500 points. DUBAI two each whereas Khadija Kazmi, Alina, pionship titles to their name before. “We Held under the theme ‘Road “The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation gave BTS were among the big winners at the Kids’ Choice Awards Mishal Bhatti, Eshal and Rishail added a goal are trying not to miss her,” said Hajra. “We’ll to Recovery’, the Abu Dhabi us the opportunity to compete on on Saturday (13.03.21). The chart-topping K-pop group International Pro gave athletes a the mat again following a chal- claimed three gongs during the remote ceremony, includ- US Open champ Dominic Thiem aiming for glory in Dubai platform to prepare for the big- lenging year with the pandemic,” ing Favourite Music Group, Favourite Song and Favourite gest and most prestigious cham- said Pedro Alexander (69 kg) from Global Music Star. DUBAI French Opens and the Australian Open reach Saturday night’s final against Nikoloz pionship on the global jiu-jitsu Brazil who captured the gold in the Other big-name winners included Ariana Grande, who was Top seed Dominic Thiem will be seeking in 2020. Along with his triumph in New Basilashvili. calendar, the 12th edition of Abu men’s masters’ black belt category. named the Favourite Female Artist, while Justin Bieber was the 18th title of his career, and his first York, he has also reached the final of the Rublev, meanwhile, will be seeking the Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Bach was talking at the end of the awarded the Favourite Male Artist gong. Ariana and Justin crown since he lifted the winner’s trophy at ATP Tour Finals in the past two seasons. match play he failed to get in Doha, where Championship, which will take three-day IOC Session which saw also won a joint award, as they were given the Favourite the 2020 US Open, when play gets under- But he has some catching up to do in Dubai, he received a first-round bye and then two place from 6-9 April 2021. him re-elected for a second and Music Collaboration accolade for their track ‘Stuck with U’. way in the ATP500 week of the Dubai Duty where in his only previous appearance in walkovers into the semi-finals before falling Taking to the mat at the weekend final four-year term and IOC mem- The song was released as a charity single in May and was Free Tennis Championships. The reigning 2015 he fell in the first round to Roberto to Bautista Agut. Thiem receives a bye into were Jiu-jitsu fighters representing bers approve all 15 recommenda- co-written by their manager Scooter Braun. Elsewhere, Grand Slam champion and world No. 4 will Bautista Agut. the second round, where he will face one of Brazil, Colombia, Russia, Jordan, tions of Olympic Agenda 2020+5, Millie Bobby Brown was handed two awards, including be bidding to become the first Austrian Thiem will be wary of meeting the Spaniard two qualifiers from round one. Second seed Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Palestine, the IOC’s vision for the future of Favourite Female TV Star and Favourite Movie Actress. since Thomas Muster in 1997 to lift the again after the latter upset him just days Rublev will also start against a qualifier or El Salvador, Israel, Ukraine, the Olympic Movement. The 17-year-old star is best known for playing the role Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships ago in the Doha quarter-finals. Thiem will Jordan Thompson. of Eleven in the hit Netflix series ‘Stranger Things’, but trophy. not be disappointed if they do meet again Third seed Denis Shapovalov will play she’s also starred in and produced the mystery film ‘Enola A player for the big occasion, Thiem this week, however, as the draw means they either a qualifier or Jan-Lennard Struff. Holmes’, in which she played the teenage sister of Sherlock reached the finals of the 2018 and 2019 would meet in Saturday’s final. Fourth seed Bautista Agut begins against Holmes. ‘Stranger Things’ - which also features the likes Stan Wawrinka, the 2016 Dubai champion Matthew Ebden in the second round after of Finn Wolfhard and Noah Schnapp - was named the who was at the official player’s draw, has his opponent received a Special Exempt Favourite Family TV Show at the event. withdrawn from the tournament due to into the second round upon reaching the Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr won the award for Favourite fatigue. Bautista Agut, who claimed the semi-finals in Marseilles. Special Exempt Movie Actor, while ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ - which saw Gal Dubai trophy in 2018, will start as a lead- status is given to players who have been Gadot reprise her role as the iconic superhero - was named ing favorite for the title after not only beat- so successful at one event that they would the Favourite Movie. ing Thiem in Dubai, but this week’s No. 2 have difficulty reaching their next tourna- seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets to ment in time to compete in the first round. Sunday, March 14, 2021 The Asian Telegraph www.theasiantelegraph.net

Pakistan, Japan India’s ‘electoral committed to diversify bilateral relations: autocracy’ exposed to Japanese envoy world, AJK President Japanese envoy admires Pakistan’s commu- nity role in Great East Japan Earthquake MIRPUR ISLAMABAD Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President, Sar- The Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Kuninori dar Masood Khan has said that in spite of India’s Matsuda on Sunday appreciated the role of Paki- repression and irredentism, the people of occu- stan’s community in Japan during the ‘Great East pied Jammu and Kashmir are determined to con- Japan Earthquake’ occurred on March 11, 2011 and tinue their struggle for their freedom and right said that the government and people of Japan will to self-determination. While commenting on the never forget the services rendered to the Pakistan’s latest report compiled and released by Sweden’s community in this crucial situation. V-Dem Institute which stated that India is no lon- The Pakistan’s community in Japan has won the ger an “electoral democracy” but it has become an “electoral autocracy”, the AJK state president and both sides can be proud of this friendly humane maintained that uncalled for curbs on media and heartsattitude, of AmbassadorJapanese People Kuninori during Matsuda this difficult told timeAPP the discriminatory treatment towards minorities here. While admiring the role of volunteers during and the civil society in India may be a new devel- the huge disaster, he greeted volunteers especially opment for the world, but the people of occupied hailing from the Pakistani community in rescue, re- Jammu and Kashmir have been aware of its sham construction and rehabilitation works in the areas democracy for the past 70 years, AJK President affected by the earthquake and Tsunami including Kamaishi city, coasts of Iwate prefecture, Ibaraki, Saying that India’s false narrative on Kashmir is Chiba and south of Miyagi. officegetting said fast Saturday exposed evening. to the world,” the president The Ambassador said the Japanese government asserted that the time is not far off when the ty- had prioritized the economic and industrial revival rant and oppressors would be brought to justice. of areas hit from ‘Great East Japan Earthquake’ to “Despite India’s policy of irredentism, Kashmiris ensure human safety and provide livelihood to af- are determined to continue their struggle for fected people. After the huge disaster in ‘Great East freedom. They are giving their blood to keep the Japan Earthquake’, rescue, rehabilitation, recon- struction and revitalization were the biggest chal- conviction that the truth will ultimately prevail lenges which were overcome by the joint efforts of flameand the of criminals liberty burning will be broughtbright. We to justice,”can say Khanwith Japanese central and city government, local com- said. munity and especially the commitment shown by He went on to say that Indian occupation troops expatriate Pakistanis living in Japan’s affected areas, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid pays homage to are killing innocent Kashmiri people and bury- Matsuda said ing them in unmarked graves for their just and The envoy said in Japan, the government was al- democratic demand of freedom and right to self- ways prepared for disaster and had adopted the martyrs of FC North Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said the officers and soldiers of Pakistan Armed Forces have narrated timeless stories of bravery determination. The cruel army is using sexual preemptive measure to meet any untoward inci- violence against Kashmiri women as a weapon dent, however this time, “We face three different PESHAWAR Smartly turned out a contingent of pass- any kind of terrorism, natural calamity of war, while they kidnapped youth are subjected types of catastrophes which are beyond our imagi- Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad to the worst torture in prisons and concentration nation. But the government’s teamwork, unity and ing out recruits presented the parade. from Broghil Pass in the North to Gomal on Sunday paid rich tribute to the mar- Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad River in the south. FC KP is deployed camps to compel them to give up demanding free- determination helped to revive the socioeconomic tyrs of the armed forces including the dom and the right to self-determination. life of earthquake and tsunami hit areas of Japan.” and the Commandant Scouts Training along the Pak-Afghan border covering a cops of the Frontier Corps (North) for Academy reviewed the parade. Recruit- vast area of approximately 1300 km. FC Sardar Masood Khan said that Nature is kind He said Japan experienced the strongest earth- rendering their lives to restore peace in enough to the Kashmiri people because Narendra quake in its recorded history recently as it struck ers took an oath of defending the moth- KP gives leverage and space to the Pak the region. He said this while address- erland. The chief guest hoped that the Army maintaining the law and order in Modi and the ruling clique are carrying out such ing the passing out parade of the 28th new recruits would perform their duties the border and as well as the tribal areas. actions which are gradually exposing the Indian of Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, a batch of FC recruits at the Scouts Train- state to the international community. “The inter- northern part of the island of Honshu. with sheer dedication, loyalty and ex- Our troops are well prepared for any below the North Pacific Ocean, 130 kilometers east ing Academy, Warsak Peshawar. He also treme hard work. kind of challenge to protect the dignity national community is now realizing that the Na- The ambassador said the disaster education was inspected the passing out parade of the rendra Modi regime and its Hindutva based poli- part of the curriculum in local education institutions Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said the Frontier and grace of the Nation. FC assists the 28th batch of FC recruits. Corps (FC) had played a key role in the government and civil law enforcement cies have posed a serious threat to not only the including school, colleges and universities to aware Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad Muslims of South Asia but the whole mankind,” the future generation for adopting the preemptive restoration of peace and FC’s history was agencies against the enemies of the state paid homage to the performance of and aiding in maintaining the writ of the he added. measure to minimize the loss against the calamities. FC North and congratulated the newly The AJK president said that the people of occu- He said preemptive measures through education, training would enable the soldiers to government in the tribal areas and set- trained soldiers for joining the Armed fullcope of with sacrifices the challenges and bravery. in Hethe said line the of tled districts as well. utilization of modern technology, political will, Forces of Pakistan. Sheikh Rashida said resisting the Indian imperialism, and the day is sense of responsibility, teamwork and unity were duty. A special wreath laying ceremony Being deployed along the Pak-Afghan Pakistan Armed Forces have made im- was held at Yadgar-e-Shuhada. A smartly border, our troops collect and dissemi- piednot far Jammu off when and theKashmir dawn areof freedom, valiantly liberty and firmly and the major measures adopted by the Japanese nation - justice will emerge out of the long night of tyr- to revive from the ‘Great East Japan Earthquake’. turned out contingent of FC presented nate the border intelligence and provide salute to pay respect to the great heroes. early warning of any impending hostili- anny and injustice. VoM mensePakistan sacrifices Armed forForces peace have in thenarrated coun Sheikh Rashid Ahmad said the nation ties. try.timeless He said stories the officers of bravery. and soldiers Sheikh of was proud of the heroes who had stood Troops recruited are from FC KP and Rashid Ahmed said that the efforts of the fast in the hour of need. local tribesmen, thus the force is com- Frontier Corps for peace in Khyber Pak- A large number of Shuhada families, po- posed of locals, thereby creating the htunkhwa were unforgettable. litical leadership, members of civil soci- - Inspector General of FC Major General ety and elders of the areas attended the derdeveloped areas. At the end, Minister Adil Yaseen presented a memento to the ceremony. FC KP is a force with a long spiritfor Interior of patriotism Sheikh inRashid the farAhmad flung dis un- Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad. triumphed victorious history of over a tributed prizes to the best performing A large number of people from differ- recruits during the training. VoM ent walks of life attended the ceremony. Sino-Pak century. FC KP is the firstPunjab responder Culture to Locust Control Pak embassy to arrange puppet show to Chinese expert shares experience for desert Day celebrated in a locust control in Pakistan mark Sino-Pak friendship in Beijing BEIJING he made different suggestions for de- befitting manner A Chinese expert, Zhang Long, a profes- sert locust control according to different This event officially commenced a series of the detailed list of events, once confirmed, will PUNJAB sor from China Agricultural University situations, China Economic Net (CEN) commemorative activities throughout the be released as soon as possible and said, of First ever Punjab Culture Day was celebrated year course the commemorative activities will go far has shared his experience for desert reported on Sunday. BEIJING beyond the list. locust control in Pakistan on a webinar Zhang pointed out that Punjab province (Sunday). Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman A puppet show will be arranged to celebrate On March 2, Pakistan Foreign Minister, Shah jointly held by China and Pakistan. was facing the most emergent situation. acrossBuzdar, the in hisprovince message in aon befitting the occasion, manner said today the 70th anniversary of the establishment of dip- Mahmood Qureshi and China’s State Councilor The webinar was arranged by relevant As the nymphs will hatch in the next two purpose of observing the day is to inculcate love, lomatic relations between China and Pakistan and Foreign Minister Wang Yi launched 70 years departments of China and Pakistan, weeks, some action must be taken im- brotherhood and unity in the society as promo- here at China Puppet Art Theatre on March 21. of celebrations via virtual ceremony simultane- including the National Agro-tech mediately, including digging out eggs The show, being arranged by embassy of Paki- tion of culture is vital for national cohesion. ously held in Islamabad and Beijing. Extension and Service Center affiliated and spraying chemicals. stan, Beijing in collaboration with China Puppet The two countries also released a logo to mark He said Punjabi culture has a unique place at to the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture Besides specific measures, Zhang also Art Theatre and Rafi Peer Art Theatre, would the occasion. This event officially commenced a the international level and the soil of Punjab be held in connection of celebration of Paki- series of commemorative activities throughout and Rural Affairs, the Chinese Ministry advised Pakistanis to establish a sus- has the fragrance of affection, hospitality and of Commerce, the Pakistani Embassy tainable, high-efficient and long-term stan-China civilizational and cultural heritage the year. The diplomatic relations between the kindness. On this occasion, all the commission- through puppets and related art on World Pup- two countries were established on May 21, 1951. in Beijing, the Chinese Embassy in management system for the desert lo- petry Day. ers were directed to arrange city branding in Pakistan, and Pakistani Ministry of cust control. In this system, biological Pakistan and China have agreed to hold over their respective divisions, including display of National Food Security & Research. and ecological controls are the main 100 events to mark the 70 years of the estab- banners and streamers. At the seminar, Zhang Long, said China methods. Zhang thought that monitor- lishment of diplomatic relations in a wide range All the heads of departments, including com- and Pakistan are iron brothers, and ing and forecast of the locust should be of areas including the political, economic, trade, China would like to help Pakistan deal more precise and efficient. cultural and military sectors. with the desert locust plague. Zhang also stressed that Pakistan should People from all walks of life in both countries, missioners,Punjab were regionalinstructed police to wear officers, Punjabi deputy Tur- especially the young generation will be wel- Zhang is one of the expert team mem- strengthen scientific research in locust commissionersban and traditional and dresses district on police Punjab officers Culture in bers who traveled to Pakistan to help biology, ecology and physiology to comed to take an active part to enrich the cel- Day and upload their pictures on their social ebrations and make them more broad-based the desert locust control in February tackle threats of locust plague. He also and fruitful. media accounts to highlight rich culture of the 2020. As Zhang along with the other ex- advised to train more people for the lo- A senior official informed APP on Sunday that province. perts made a field trip across Pakistan, cust control. VoM

Geopolitics New U.S. push for peace in Afghanistan splits government, Slow Gulf economic recovery to have long- lasting impact on banks - S&P not moving towards consensus: Report DUBAI loans expected to increase, as well remove or reduce credit risk from the Beijing was on a regional tour last month to the Afghan people who have been terror- Economic recovery from the corona- as on profitability, with some banks balance sheet of banks (yet),” said S&P. The United States’ new push for a politi- spearhead the new approach. ized” since the Soviet invasion in 1979, virus crisis in the oil-rich Gulf region expected to post losses in 2021. “We “Cost of risk will remain elevated cal settlement to end two decades of con- The Post quoted unnamed Afghan officials Fatima Murchal, Ghani’s deputy spokes- will be slow, weighing on the region’s think that the measures implemented following a jump of 60% in 2020 as flict in Afghanistan is “exposing widening warning that the campaign could back- person, was quoted as saying. banking sector, S&P Global Ratings by most central banks in the region banks set aside provisions in prepara- fault lines” in the Kabul government, with fire, by deadlocking talks, undermining Taliban representatives in Doha also dis- said. are supportive of liquidity but do not tion for more stress.” President Ashraf Ghani spokespersons op- the elected government and plunging the missed the implication that the change Gulf countries fell into a sharp reces- posing the proposal while his main rival, country deeper into violence. in approach would have an effect on the sion last year as the COVID-19 pan- Abdullah Abdullah, welcomed it, The The Afghan officials, spoke on the condi- deadlocked talks. demic affected vital non-oil economic Washington Post reported Sunday. tion of anonymity because they were not “Pressure from the United States never sectors such as hospitality, commerce, In a report from Doha, the venue of now authorized to discuss the matter with works,” Mohammad Naeem, the spokes- and real estate, while lower oil prices stalled talks between representatives of journalists, the report said. The Afghan man for the Taliban’s political office, was hurt state revenues. the Afghan government and the Taliban, officials, it said, acknowledged that cur- cited as saying. “We know this because Events like Dubai Expo this year and the newspaper said that even the two rent levels of violence and the political they have already tried all forms of pres- the World Cup in Qatar next year, as parties within the government “were not stalemate in Doha are unacceptable, but sure for 20 years.” well as a rebounding oil market, will signaling moves towards consensus”. disagreed with the Biden administration’s Naeem said the group does not expect provide some support but growth will The new approach — nicknamed “moon- attempted reset. the United States to walk away from remain below historical levels, S&P shot” by some U.S. officials referring to its A spokesman for Ghani’s office rejected the 2020 deal, but if it does, “there will said. “Indeed, most countries will not lofty ambitions — is an attempt to reach the suggestion that the president is under be problems, and they will be responsi- return to 2019 nominal GDP before a peace deal within weeks by applying greater pressure now from Washington to ble for that.” Meanwhile, the spokesman 2023, with an even longer road for unprecedented pressure to negotiating reach a peace deal. “If there is any pres- for Abdullah, the chairman of the High Saudi Arabia,” it said in a report on teams on both sides of the conflict, the sure that we feel, it is the pressure from Council for National Reconciliation, called Sunday. Taliban and the Kabul government, it said. the new U.S. proposal a “positive starting Recovery in sectors such as aviation, The former Trump administration’s focus point to boost the peace process and the tourism, and real estate will take time, was on the withdrawal of U.S. forces from peace talks.” and while vaccination programmes Afghanistan, it was pointed out. The Biden Abdullah and other political rivals of are progressing, there are downside team is applying “greater” pressure on the Ghani’s government have the most to risks due to mutations in the novel diplomatic front. As already reported, U.S.- gain from the establishment of an in- coronavirus. Afghanistan policy is under review, and terim government, one of the U.S. draft’s These factor swill weigh on bank’s the U.S. special envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, key elements. asset quality with non-performing

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