O you who have believed, de- creed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become right- eous” -- Surat Al-Baqarah 2:183

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F .theasiantelegraph.net Vowing humanitarian Pakistan condemns assistance, UNICEF to terrorism in all its forms provide Personal Protective and manifestations: FO Pakistan stands by the Afghan brethren Equipment worth over $ in their struggle against the scourge of 14m to Pakistan terrorism: FO ISLAMABAD Since the onset of the outbreak, UNICEF has Pakistan has strongly condemned supported Pakistan’s response to COVID-19 terrorist attack in Logar province of ISLAMABAD Afghanistan, In a statement on Saturday, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is set to provide Personal Protective Chaudhri conveyed Pakistan’s heartfelt Equipment worth over fourteen million dol- Foreigncondolences Office tospokesperson the bereaved Zahid families Hafeez lars to Pakistan to help contain the spread of and prayed for the quick recovery of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. injured. The spokesperson said Pakistan According to the document of the UNICEF, condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He said Pakistan stands PPEs worth two million dollars have already by the Afghan brethren in their struggle been delivered and a total of 168 test kits with against the scourge of terrorism. a total value of over two million dollars funded from World Bank are expected to arrive in to support Afghanistan on its path to Pakistan soon. The surgical masks, N95 masks, Zahidpeace, Hafeezprogress said and Pakistan development. will continue gloves, goggles, coveralls, surgical gowns, dis- It is noted that Students celebrating posable shoe covers, disposable caps, dispos- exam results among 26 killed in minivan able gowns and face shields were distributed explosion at guesthouse They were in to staff at the Pakistan Institute of Medical NTS vision 2030 the middle of breaking their fast during Sciences, Polyclinic, National Institute of Ramadan, rejoicing after passing their university entrance exams, when a massive Rehabilitation Medicine, Federal Government Preparations for ‘Brand Pakistan’ launching blast ripped through the guesthouse in Hospital and Capital Development Authority Pul-e-Aam, the provincial capital of Logar Hospital. More will be distributed to staff in eastern Afghanistan, killing 25 people working in Track, Trace and Quarantine teams underway and leaving more than 100 injured. At across Islamabad in the coming days. PM reaffirmed government’s commitment to bring reforms in the electoral system least 21 of those who died in the bombing Since the onset of the outbreak, UNICEF has GILGIT minimum standards for hospitality sector will be un- social inclusion and economic growth. on Friday night were school students who supported Pakistan’s response to COVID-19. Digital marketing holds promising future for tourism veiled together at its launching ceremony,” said another The NTS would raise the industry’s competitiveness had traveled from different villages of an This includes raising awareness on the risks sector. Thanks to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf govern- and ensure maximum utilization of Pakistan’s natural, impoverished district of the Azar region to associated with COVID-19 and how people ment which has realized this fact in time. Giving details of the project, he said the Brand Pakistan cultural, historical and geographical assets, he added. Logar for the exams, and the deadly blast can best protect themselves from being in- Soon after coming into the power, it tasked the PTDC had an exclusive tourism portal, which was meant to crushed the dreams of several families officer of the PTDC. seeking a better future for their children. fected and transmitting the disease; support- to develop a customized brand for introducing the lo- promote the country’s tourist attractions across the year National Tourism Strategy Action Plan (2020- cal tourism industry at the global stage through digital “They could not afford to rent hotel rooms ing infection prevention and control in health world through virtual galleries, videos and documen- As2025) a part had of also National been Tourismprepared strategy, that would he said, provide a five- a meansThe task has now been accomplished with the taries. It would provide world-class exposure to Paki- road-map for effective implementation of the strategic and, instead, stayed in a guesthouse of a care facilities and communities; providing help of International experts and all the relevant stake- former provincial council member,” Homa psychosocial support and online education; stan’s tourist attractions through one click. It consisted efforts to boost tourism. To a query, he said the project holders. At the moment, the initiative is in the process of of a user-friendly interface to interact with the prospec- might have launched earlier, but delayed due to the Ahmadi, an MP from Logar, told Arab and providing and coordinating procurement tive tourists and give them the necessary and latest coronavirus pandemic. In the domain of religious tour- News. VoM services to ensure the availability of vaccines Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) “Launching information about the country’s tourist attractions, he ism, Internationally known as home to Indus Valley and devices. launchingplan for unveiling as confirmed the ‘Brand by a top Pakistan’ official isof underway the Pakistan as added. He said a ten-year road-map to invigorate tour- and Gandhara civilizations, Pakistan is a unique coun- private sector is being engaged for its launch,” PTDC ism industry was also part of the project. try having plenty of ancient archaeo-religious sites, an- Managing Director Aftab-ur-Rehman Rana said, adding The ‘National Tourism Strategy’ (NTS) 2020-2030 cient mosques, fairy tales havelis and dizzyingly awe- the initiative would be rolled out once the coronavirus would ensure maximum utilization of its huge resourc- some minerates, which are leaving inerasable traces on pandemic slowed down in the country. es for sustained economic growth, poverty alleviation hearts and minds of tourists every year. He said the initiative was aimed to transform the coun- and reduced social inequalities. Being a home to ancient civilizations of Mohenjo Daro try’s image by projecting its breath-taking tourist re- He said the strategy was guided by a vision (2020- (2500 BC) of the Indus Valley Civilization and Buddhist sorts at international level through digital means. 2030) that envisaged, a mature, sustainable and re- Ruins of Takht Bhai (Ist CE) of the Gandhara Civiliza- “All components of the project including Brand Paki- tion, Pakistan is an archaeo-religious sites rich coun- stan, exclusive tourism portal, a ten-year road-map for the economic development of Pakistan and the quality try having historical mosques, elaborate mausoleums, sponsibleof life of all tourism her people, industry primarily contributing through significantly job creation, to forts, shrines and worship places for Sikh, Hindus, Multilateraltourism promotion,Diplomacy a five-year action plan and national Covid-19 Pakistan begins marketing ICT President calls Prudent measures adopted to combat professionals in Japan for adherence corona: Farrukh Habib Pakistan’s exports to Japan jumps by 40 percent A few days earlier, while addressing the signing cer- to SOPs during He appreciated the National Com- tablished in the city. during January to March emony of the MoU between OEC and Inter-SES, he an- mand Operation Centre (NCOC) for After that, daily 20,000 vaccine shots ISLAMABAD nounced that recruitment of 120 skilled workers, who Majalis properly handling the pandemic and would be dispensed, he added. The state Pakistan has begun a process to market its profession- had been imparted Japanese language by the ministry, ISLAMABAD enhancing the capacity of corona- minister for information said that the gov- als from Information and Communications Technol- was underway. President Dr Arif Alvi on Sunday, in related facilities. He said the coun- ogy (ICT) sector in Japan, aimed at fetching a maximum The SAPM said the government would soon appoint a a telephonic conversation with Al- try had the capacity of conducting and 25 million dozes would be available till quota in the jobs recently announced by Tokyo for the Community Welfare Attachee in Japan to boost footprint lama Sajid Naqvi, stressed upon strict only 400 corona tests daily when the ernmentnext May-June. had sufficient stock of vaccine, overseas workers. of Pakistani workforce in Japan. observance of standard operating pandemic broke out. But then the He appreciated the National Command Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC), an attached “Since Japan is an aging population and will be needing procedures (SOPs) during Ramzan capacity was enhanced and now we Operation Centre (NCOC) for properly han- department of Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and around 500,000 of workforce in future, it is our priority ul Mubarak and Majalis to contain are conducting 50,000 corona tests dling the pandemic and enhancing the ca- Human Resource Development (OHRD), has recently - spread of coronavirus. daily, he added pacity of corona-related facilities. He said signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Inter- During the conversation, the presi- FAISALABAD the country had the capacity of conduct- SES (a private organization) for the purpose, a senior toPakistan’s fetch maximum exports to quota Japan for have Pakistan jumped out by of 40% this,” in Zul the dent further said that people should State Minister for Information and Broad- ing only 400 corona tests daily when the fikar Bukhari maintained. - wear face masks and observe social casting Farrukh Habib said on Sunday that pandemic broke out. But then the capacity distancing. The elderly people should COVID-19 had not only emerged as a grave was enhanced and now we are conducting officer.also share Under the thejobs’ partnership, demand, emanating the Inter-SES from would Japanese not first quarter (Jan – Mar) during the current year as com perform religious duties at homes. threat to human health but it had also shat- 50,000 corona tests daily, he added. onlycompanies, market withthe highly the OEC, qualified he said, workforce adding init Japan,would but be paredFinance, with the the increase last quarter is more of than2020 47% i.e. (Oct when – Dec). compared Allama Sajid Naqvi assured the presi- tered the world economy badly. Pakistan has also started producing per- posted on an online portal, www.jobs.oec.govt.pk to in- According to trade figures released by Japan’s Ministry of dent of complete observance of SOPs However, he added, the Pakistan Tehreek- sobal protective equipment (PPEs) and form the youth about the new and lucrative employment embassy in Japan said in a press release on Sunday. during Majalis, a press release said. e-Insaf (PTI) government had adopted highly technical ventilators for corona pa- opportunities. to the same period last year i.e. Jan – Mar 2020, Pakistan The president urged ulema to advise prudent policies to control it through sin- tients, Farrukh said and called upon people “This will not be a brain drain for Pakistan as the ICT people to stick to these SOPs. cere efforts and smart lockdown. to observe the standard operating proce- workforce will have different type of job opportunities He underlined the need for act- Talking to the media after his visit to a dures (SOPs) to keep themselves safe from in Japan including online, freelance and in-person,” he ing upon the advice of Holy Prophet vaccination centre at Samanabad here, the deadly disease. insisted. (Peace Be Upon Him) with regard to he expressed his satisfaction over the ar- He said that particularly during the Eid hol- Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on OPHRD also pandemic. rangements made for vaccination of el- idays, people must act on the SOPs to keep He said the nation with united stand derly people. He said that now registration themselves safe. He appreciated the vision announcing the beginning of recruitment of Pakistani has to overcome the trying times of of people above 40 years had also been of Prime Minister Imran Khan and said that confirmedworkers from the Informationdevelopment Technology on his twitter (IT) account sector whilein Ja- coronavirus pandemic. started. he introduced most practicable strategy of pan in near future. The president also contacted Maulana He said that 17 vaccination centres were smart lockdown, which played a key role “OPHRD and Inter-SES are collaborating to offer job op- Hafeez Jalandhari and said that ulema already working in Faisalabad. in saving people from corona and helping should advise the faithful to observe However, in view of expected rush at these the industry to keep its wheel going after tweeted the other day. SOPs in mosques. - adoption of proper SOPs. portunities in Japan for qualified youth of Pakistan,” he centres, five new centres would also be es Nuclear Crisis Climate change Over Biden speech, North Korea warns US of Climate change eats into ice sheets around ‘very grave situation’ the globe North Korean Foreign Ministry offi- saying Biden plans to veer from the warned that warming temperatures In January, Kim threatened to en- cial, said in a statement. approaches of his two most recent Rising temperatures widely believed driven by climate change are eating large his nuclear arsenal and build “It is certain that the US chief execu- predecessors as he tries to stop North by scientists to be the result of human into glaciers and ice sheets around the more high-tech weapons targeting tive made a big blunder in the light Korea’s nuclear program. Press sec- emissions were inevitably leading to world, contributing to higher sea lev- the US mainland, saying the fate of the present-day viewpoint,” Kwon retary Jen Psaki did not detail find- more ice loss, McNabb said els that threaten the world’s populous of bilateral ties would depend on said. “Now that the keynote of the US ings of the review, but suggested the BEIJING coastal cities. The latest reports by the whether it abandons its hostile new DPRK policy has become clear, administration would seek a middle Nearly all of the world’s glaciers are los- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate policy we will be compelled to press for cor- ground between Donald Trump’s ing mass - and at an accelerated pace, Change project that future sea lev- SEOUL responding measures, and with time “grand bargain” and Barack Obama’s according to a new study published els will rise by more than a meter by North Korea on Sunday warned the the US will find itself in a very grave “strategic patience” approaches. Sunday that could impact future projec- of 298 gigatons each year after 2015. 2100.Some glaciers in Alaska, Iceland, United States will face “a very grave situation.” Kwon’s statement didn’t mention tions for ice loss. The study in the sci- The melt was significantly impacting the Alps, the Pamir mountains and the situation” because President Joe Kwon still didn’t specify what steps Psaki’s comments. ence journal Nature provides one of the sea levels by about 0.74 millimeters a Himalayas were among the most im- Biden “made a big blunder” in his re- North Korea would take, and his After performing a series of high-pro- most wide-ranging overviews yet of ice year, or 21 percent of overall sea level pacted by melting, researchers found. cent speech by calling the North a se- statement could be seen as an effort file nuclear and missile tests in 2016- mass loss from about 220,000 glaciers rise observed during the period.Glaciers Glaciers with surrounding communi- curity threat and revealing his intent to apply pressure on the the Biden 17, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un around the world, a major source of sea tend to have a faster response to climate ties provide an important water source to maintain a hostile policy toward it. administration as it’s shaping up its launched summit diplomacy with level rise. Using high-resolution imagery change compared with ice sheets in and their decline could lead to serious Last week, Biden, in his first address North Korea policy. Trump on the future of his growing from NASA’s Terra satellite from be- Greenland and Antarctica, and are cur- food and water shortages.”Those areas to Congress, called North Korea and The White House said Friday admin- nuclear arsenal. But that diplomacy tween 2000 and 2019, a group of inter- rently contributing more to sea level are seeing a rapid pace of glacier melt Iran’s nuclear programs “a serious istration officials had completed a re- remains stalled for about two years national scientists found that glaciers, rise than either individual ice sheet, that could be fairly worrying,” McNabb threat to America’s security and view of US policy toward North Korea, over differences in how much sanc- with the exception of the Greenland scientists said. said. “We get this increase in melt and world security,” and said he’ll work tions relief North Korea could win in and Antarctic ice sheets which were The study could fill important gaps that actually increases the availability with allies to address those prob- return for limited denuclearization excluded from the study, lost an aver- in understanding about ice mass loss, of water that comes in these rivers... lems through diplomacy and stern steps. age of 267 gigatons of ice per year.A gi- leading to more accurate predictions, but the problem is, after a period of deterrence. In January, Kim threatened to enlarge gaton of ice would fill New York City’s said coauthor of the study Robert time, that stops increasing and then “His statement clearly reflects his his nuclear arsenal and build more Central Park and stand 341 meters high. McNabb, a remote sensing scientist at decreases fairly rapidly,” he added. intent to keep enforcing the hostile high-tech weapons targeting the US The researchers also found that glacier Ulster University in the UK. Previous Rising temperatures widely believed policy toward the DPRK as it had mainland, saying the fate of bilateral mass loss accelerated. Glaciers lost 227 studies looking at individual glaciers by scientists to be the result of human been done by the US for over half a ties would depend on whether it gigatons of ice annually from 2000 to only account for about 10 percent of emissions were inevitably leading to century,” Kwon Jong Gun, a senior abandons its hostile policy. 2004, but that increased to an average the planet, he said. Scientists have long more ice loss, McNabb said. Monday, May 03, 2021

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Editor-in-Chief: Amna Malik Pandemic and virtual Education Editor: Muhammad Hassam Assistant Editor:Syed Mushahid Naqvi In an unfortunate twist, the onset of the pandemic coincided to facilitate student learning, as shown in Figure 1. This abrupt Phone: + 92 51 2814017 Offce # 407/408, 4th Floor, Evacuee with Pakistan’s struggle to implement a uniform curriculum wake-up call should prompt all relevant stakeholders to reflect across all provinces. As coronavirus control measures spread on the true purpose of schools and the future of learning in Trust, Agha Khan Road, F-5/1 Islamabad throughout South Asia, departments of education and higher- this country. level universities found themselves poorly or, in most cases, In Pakistani institutes, there is a lack of technically trained completely unprepared for online learning and delivering dis- teachers to run online classes smoothly. To strengthen blended, tance learning. In the past, Pakistan had closed educational distance, and online learning, there is a need to provide more institutes due to terrorist attacks and political threats, but there awareness and accessibility to MOOCs, Coursera, and EdX. HRW Report on Israel’s Crimes was still no official policy around online education. There is also a need to develop innovative, immersive learn- Safeer Mehdi When schools were forced to shut, Pakistan started seeking al- ing technologies and modern education spaces using virtual, ternative solutions to the globally adopted “suspending classes augmented, and mixed reality technology. These technologies, The ecades’ old occupation of Palestinian territories he outbreak of coronavirus from the Wuhan city of Hubei without stopping learning” policy. One idea was the establish- along with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine writer is Research Associate at Maritime Study Forum. by the Israelis continues to oppress the people provinceT of China at the end of 2019 has suppressed all coun- ment of a national TV channel for education that would provide learning (ML), can change the future of learning by helping Her areas of expertise are politics in the Indian Ocean, of Palestine. The global pandemic, COVID-19, has tries of the world in terms of the lives and livelihood of the equal educational opportunities for all students. The channel us build more interactive, personalized, and productive learn- maritime security, and Indian domestic and foreign posed detrimental threats to the civilian popula- people. Creating educational disruption everywhere, the Covid- programmed the content for kindergarten through high school ing solutions. More specifically, when we talk about practical, tions across the globe especially to illegally occu- 19 pandemic has hindered the lives of students and, sadly, will and provided one lesson per day to each grade, so students hands-on learning in STEM, where there is an urgent need for pied territories like Palestinian territory and Indian probably have a lasting impact on their future academic lives. would have to watch in shifts. Also, during the second wave learning material, augmented reality can provide virtual mate- occupied Kashmir. The uninterrupted human rights violations by What has gone relatively unnoticed is that it has created far of Covid, Radio Pakistan started transmitting “radio school” rial to help teach with the kinesthetic learning approach. Dthe Israeli forces have further increased Palestinians vulnerabil- more difficulties in developing countries. This is due to the fact to promote virtual learning in the country for primary-level Technologically developed countries have innovative and ad- ity to COVID-19. A recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), that these countries were already lacking in internet accessibil- students, as a part of an effort toward overcoming the digi- vanced systems for e-learning, allowing them to stay in the loop entitled “A Threshold Crossed: Israeli Authorities and the Crimes ity, e-learning solutions providers, and government policies for tal divide. In the higher-education sector, Virtual University is and keep the learning flow active during this academic year. But of Apartheid and Persecution”, has exposed the crimes of Israel developing localized education technology, as well as personal at the forefront of virtual learning, providing full-time online in Pakistan, online learning is at a nascent stage. Having started against humanity. The report is based on an overarching Israeli resources among students. In managing the Covid-19 crisis learning courses, from bachelor’s to Ph.D. level, in different sub- as emergency remote learning, it needs further investment to government policy to maintain the domination by Jewish Israelis better than many countries, Pakistan avoided the need for a jects. As the pandemic disrupted education, Microsoft Teams create more adoption and overcome limitations. Along with over Palestinians and grave abuses committed against Palestinians full lockdown and set an example for the world. were deployed in Pakistani universities to build connections establishing the Internet in remote areas, developing special- living in the occupied territory, including East Jerusalem. HRW Educational technology has been rapidly advancing—smart- between students and teachers. Previously, Microsoft and the ized authoring tools, and creating awareness for getting the in the report has said that Israeli authorities are committing the phones, tablets, augmented and virtual reality, and high-speed Citizens Foundation (TCF) collaborated to provide technology- most out of online learning, faculty need the training to use crimes against humanity of apartheid and persecution. Moreover, Internet, 4G, and 5G connectivity. All of this makes online learn- based education in underdeveloped areas. The eLearn Punjab online modalities and innovative pedagogies to reduce cogni- the report has examined the Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. It ing more productive, adaptive, and accessible. In fact, the e- program has generated educational content based on videos tive load and increase interactivity. In his book, 21 Lessons for presents the present-day reality of a single authority, the Israeli learning industry is currently valued at more than $200 billion and illustrations for primary and secondary school classes. And the 21st Century Yuval Noah Harari highlighted a drawback government, ruling primarily over the area between the Jordan and is expected to top $375 billion by 2026. Even so, Pakistan in tackling the digital divide in gender, The Malala Fund has of the current state of education: River and Mediterranean Sea, populated by two groups of roughly has some of the world’s worst educational outcomes. For ex- investigated Covid as an amplifying factor for the girls’ educa- equal size, and methodologically privileging Jewish Israelis while ample, it has the world’s second-highest number of children tion crisis in Pakistan. The Author holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management repressing Palestinians, most severely in the occupied territory. Mr. not in school: 22.8 million children ages 5 to16, which is 40 Lessons learned from the pandemic can be used as an opportu- Sciences & Masters’s in governance, Public Policy from Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, has said, %of Pakistan’s school-age children. nity to redesign learning spaces and restructure the curriculum NDU. “Prominent voices have warned for years that apartheid lurks just around the corner if the trajectory of Israel’s rule over Palestinians does not change”. HRW report has also suggested that the findings Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect The Asian Telegraph point-of-view of crimes against humanity should prompt the international com- munity to re-evaluate the nature of its engagement in Israel and Palestine and adopt an approach centred on human rights and ac- countability rather than solely on the stalled “peace process.” It also Today in History recommended that the countries should establish a UN commission of inquiry to investigate systematic discrimination and repression. May 03, 1942 - The Battle of the Coral Sea begins World Press Freedom Day n this, the first day of the first modern orld Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by naval engagement in history, called the the UN General Assembly in December 1993, OBattle of the Coral Sea, a Japanese inva- following the recommendation of UNESCO’s sion force succeeds in occupying Tulagi of the General Conference. After 30 years, the his- Solomon Islands in an expansion of Japan’s toric connection made between the freedom to defensive perimeter. The United States, having seek, impart and receive information and the broken Japan’s secret war code and forewarned public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its sign- of an impending invasion of Tulagi and Port Wing. Special commemorations of the 30th anniversary are planned Moresby, attempted to intercept the Japanese to take place during World Press Freedom Day International armada. Four days of battles between Japanese Conference. May 3 acts as a reminder to governments of the need and American aircraft carriers resulted in 70 to respect their commitment to press freedom. It is also a day of Japanese and 66 Americans warplanes de- reflection among media professionals about issues of press free- stroyed. This confrontation, called the Battle of dom and professional ethics. It is an opportunity to celebrate the the Coral Sea, marked the first air-naval battle in fundamental principles of press freedom; assess the state of press history, as none of the carriers fired at each other, freedom throughout the world; defend the media from attacks on allowing the planes taking off from their decks their independence, and pay tribute to journalists who have lost to do the battling. Among the casualties was the their lives in the line of duty. This year’s World Press Freedom American carrier Lexington; “the Blue Ghost” Day theme “Information as a Public Good” serves as a call to af- (so-called because it was not camouflaged like firm the importance of cherishing information as a public good other carriers) suffered such extensive aerial and exploring what can be done in the production, distribution, damage that it had to be sunk by its own crew. and reception of content to strengthen journalism, and to advance Two hundred sixteen Lexington crewmen died transparency and empowerment while leaving no one behind. The as a result of the Japanese aerial bombardment. theme is of urgent relevance to all countries across the world. It Although Japan would go on to occupy all of the recognizes the changing communications system that is impacting Solomon Islands, its victory was a Pyrrhic one: our health, democracies, and sustainable development. The day The cost in experienced pilots and aircraft car- further aspires Media development in this mode enhances the riers was so great that Japan had to cancel its freedom of expression, and it contributes to peace, sustainability, expedition to Port Moresby, Papua, as well as poverty eradication, and human rights. other South Pacific targets.

The author is an independent researcher and ‘Mean Girls’ star Daniel Franzese reveals Tina Fey EU hits Apple with music streaming Alumnus of Quaid-e-Azam University. His charge in boost for Spotify areas of interest are International Relations, drove nearly 500 miles to the film’s Toronto set Geo-politics and Maritime Affairs CALIFORNIA developers to use its own in-app payment HOLLYWOOD Tina Fey, centered on a naive 16-year-old (Rachel McAdams). “I’d go with the Merlot.” EU regulators accused Apple on Friday of system and prevent them from informing In discussions about the definitive high- named Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), who The film, inspired by Fey’s high-school ex- The quip may have counted more than his distorting competition in the music stream- users of other purchasing options. school movies of the 2000s, “Mean Girls” learned new rules about the girl world perience and a parenting book about help- actual audition, which Franzese said “was ing market, siding with Spotify in a case that European Competition Commissioner reigns supreme. No other teen film is when she enrolled at North Shore, a fic- ing teens survive cliques, could not have OK,” but “wasn’t good.” Luckily, Fey and could lead to a hefty fine and changes in the Margrethe Vestager said there were clear packed with so many quotable lines that tional high school in Evanston, Illinois, after been better cast. But at the time, McAdams the others in the room seemed to like the iPhone maker’s lucrative business practices. signs Apple’s App Store rules were affect- people still reference almost two decades being home-schooled her whole life. and Lohan seemed like odd picks to play, actor. “They thought that me as a person The preliminary findings are the first time ing music streaming rivals’ business devel- later: “She doesn’t even go here;” “’You can’t On her first day, Cady befriended two well, mean girls. was right for Damian, which is funny be- Brussels has leveled anti-competitive charges opment and affecting app developers more sit with us;” “Get in loser, we’re going shop- outcasts named Janis (Lizzy Caplan) and “We didn’t know if the movie was going to cause I was going in and acting more like against Apple, although the two sides have widely. ping” - to name a few. It’s a film so prevalent Damian (Daniel Franzese) and caught the be good when we were making it,” Franzese a character than myself, I thought,” he said. had bruising clashes in the past, most nota- “They (app developers) depend on Apple in pop culture that it even has its own day attention of the popular girls, known as the said. “’We were like, ‘Are we making a cute So despite a seemingly mediocre audition, bly a multibillion-dollar tax dispute involving App Store as a gatekeeper to access users of (It’s October 3rd). “Mean Girls,” written by Plastics, led by queen bee Regina George movie or is this as bad-ass as we think?’ We Franzese was invited out to Los Angeles to Ireland. Apple’s iPhones and iPads. This significant couldn’t really figure it out.” have dinner with the cast and participate Apple, Spotify, and other parties can now market power cannot go unchecked as the In honor of the 17th anniversary of “Mean in the table read - but he still didn’t have respond. If the case is pursued, the EU could conditions of access to the Apple App Store Girls,” Insider spoke with Franzese about the part yet. The cast dinner was a mix of demand concessions and potentially impose are key for the success of app developers,” his experience making the movie, why he “so many personalities at the table,” he said, a fine of up to 10% of Apple’s global turnover she told a news conference. leans into its popularity, and how the film with everyone trying to make an impres- - as much as $27 billion, although it rarely Vestager said Apple should end restrictive was ahead of its time. No one could have sion. This table read was fire. Everybody levies the maximum penalty. Apple found practices and refrain from doing anything predicted the cultural impact of “Mean was shooting bull’s-eyes and I was trying itself in the European Commission’s cross- that would replicate them. Girls” when it was released, but Franzese so hard to land every joke. hairs after Sweden-based Spotify complained had a good feeling about the movie before While a teenage Lohan was “gossiping two years ago that the US tech giant unfairly he even landed his role. During second- about Hilary Duff or whatever,” Franzese restricted rivals to its own music streaming round auditions with Fey and director Mark said he was doing the most to bond with service Apple Music on iPhones. Waters, Amanda Seyfried, who was having Caplan because casting director Marci The EU competition enforcer, in its so- a callback for Regina, asked Fey to weigh in Liroff was convinced that they’d become called statement of objections setting out on which color shirt to wear for her screen fast friends. At the table, there was also an the charge, said the issue related to Apple’s test: maroon or tan. Overhearing the con- actor who wasn’t Jonathan Bennett, tapped restrictive rules for its App Store that force versation, Franzese leaned over and said, to portray heartthrob Aaron Samuels.

Fears of ‘impending doom’ in Pakistan ISLAMABAD late when it comes to Covid. confirmed by Umar during second week of ous than the original strain. else: apathy. “After the second wave, people For Mahwish Bhatti, choosing a private labo- Already Pakistan has seen active cases go March. He later declared it to be more danger- But the variant has collided with something thought this is it, it’s over,” says Dr Seemi ratory to be vaccinated against the coronavi- from as low as 16,000 in the first week of Jamali, executive director of the Jinnah rus was a last resort. March, to more than 140,000 new cases in Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), one of “I was desperate. I panicked,” the 35-year-old April alone, as well as over 3,000 deaths Karachi’s largest public hospitals. from Lahore, Pakistan, told the BBC over the - making it the worst month since the pan- “There was barely anybody following stand- phone. “My mother was still waiting for her demic began. Official data reveals that bed ard operating procedures (SOPs), such as second dose of the vaccine, so I thought my capacity in the intensive care units (ICUs) of mask-wearing and maintaining social-distanc- turn would never come. I thought to myself, Lahore’s major public and private hospitals ing. Even in the hospitals, people are just not I will just buy whatever vaccine is available.” reached more than 93% on 28 April, while careful.” Indeed, Pakistan came out of both its Bhatti, who lost her job recently, had to pay some of the major cities in the largest and first and second waves relatively unscathed. more than 12,000 rupees ($78; £56) to a pri- worst-hit province, Punjab, are seeing over The first surge came during May and June last vate lab from her personal savings to get the 80% utilisation of ventilators and beds with year, but flattened within a few weeks. A sec- Russian-made Sputnik V jab. She laughingly oxygen. ond wave emerged around mid-September, adds: “I did get one jab of vaccines, but also Should the number of infections continue to and lasted until late February. one jab to my wallet.” grow, Pakistan may not just be facing a short- More than 800,000 people have been infected But the decision may yet turn out to be one age of beds. Federal Minister for Planning since the first Covid-19 patient was identified of the best she has ever made. Bhatti is now Asad Umar pointed out the country was al- in Pakistan in February last year, with more among the less than 2% of the country to ready using 90% of its oxygen supply, with than 17,000 deaths over the following 14 receive a dose so far - able to skip the long more than 80% already going towards health- months. But in a country of more than 216 line by paying a price out of reach to many care needs. million people, the absolute numbers don’t Pakistanis. Prime Minister Imran Khan has warned amount to much. And now cases are on the rise, hitting record Pakistan - with less than one doctor per 963 The problem is no one is quite sure how highs this week. The funeral pyres burning people - could be headed for disaster. One Pakistan avoided being badly hit initially. Dr just across the border in India are a stark re- of the key drivers which led Pakistan to this Jamali suggests “luck” played a role. Others minder of just how quickly matters can esca- stage was the arrival of the UK variant, as have different ideas. Monday, May 03, 2021

www.theasiantelegraph.net Stocks falter as lockdown fears loom their stakes. Trading kicked off on a refreshing note on cyclical sectors), we may see the market react on a posi- Monday as the benchmark KSE-100 index surged nearly tive note in the upcoming week,” it added. 1,000 points with vital support coming from upbeat Average daily traded volume dropped 0.5% week-on- economic numbers. According to data released by the week to 331 million shares while average daily traded State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the cumulative surplus value increased 14% week-on-week to $110 million. Asghar Farhadi’s ‘A in the current account balance improved close to $1 In terms of sectors, contribution to the downside was billion in the first nine months (Jul-Mar) of current fis- led by technology and communication (110 points), ce- Hero’ Acquired by cal year. Moreover, investments through the Roshan ment (95 points), tobacco (555 points), engineering (49 Digital Accounts (RDA) surpassed the major milestone points) and automobile assembler (43 points). On the Amazon Studios of $1 billion. other hand, sectors that contributed positively included However, the positive momentum could not be sus- textile composite (25 points) and chemical (16 points). tained as the index on Tuesday retreated to the red zone Scrip-wise, major losers were TRG Pakistan (82 points), KSE-100 index decreases 445 points amid amid profit-taking by investors. The absence of posi- MCB (65 points), Pakistan Tobacco Company (55 growing cases of coronavirus tive triggers that could provide direction to the market points), NBP (39 points) and International Industries Bureaau Report sparked volatility, which continued till the end of the (31 points), meanwhile, positive contributors were led ISLAMABAD week. A persistent drop in global oil prices triggered a by HBL (48 points), BAHL (36 points), Fauji Fertilizer The outgoing futures rollover week at the Pakistan selling spree in the local oil sectors and all oil-related (34 points), Colgate-Palmolive (31 points) and UBL (24 Stock Exchange (PSX) was marred by bearish trade as stocks closed with losses on Tuesday. points). Foreigners turned net sellers this week as they the KSE-100 index shed 445 points or 1% to settle at Moreover, unimpressive financial results, uncertainty off-loaded stocks worth $13.1 million compared to a 44,262.35 points amid growing fears of lockdown as ahead of the budget for fiscal year 2021-22 (scheduled net buy of $7.3 million last week. Major selling was wit- warned by the National Command Operation Centre to be announced after Eidul Fitr) and impact of rising nessed in commercial banks ($4.8 million) and technol- (NCOC) in the wake of rising coronavirus cases. Covid-19 cases on the economy played the role of cata- ogy and communication ($1.5 million). On the domestic During the week, trading remained under pressure on lysts in the market meltdown in the following sessions. front, buying was reported by other organisation ($16.1 back of concerns regarding rising coronavirus infec- “The NCOC has instructed stricter restrictions and million) followed by mutual funds ($13.4 million). tions, news flows citing stricter lockdowns and govern- shorter working hours, while a complete lockdown Among other major news of the week; ADB projected ment’s decision to reduce business timings. is still a possibility, this could potentially continue to 2% GDP growth rate for FY20-21, ECC approved re- A sharp rise in fatalities in Pakistan and neighbouring add pressure on the market next week,” stated a report lease of Rs4.1 billion subsidy against RLNG supply, fiscal countries forced the government to take action in order from Arif Habib Limited. “The ongoing third wave of the deficit clocked-in at 3.5% of GDP during the first eight to curb the spread of Covid-19, which did not bode well coronavirus is likely to keep sentiment under pressure, months of current fiscal year and funds through Roshan Los Angeles with the participants and prompted them to divest while in addition to a strong result season (particularly Digital Account surpassed $1 billion mark. Film shot in Iran is in postproduction and is expected for a 2022 release Saudi Arabia’s Fitness Time Mamma Mia! Wizz Air offers $54 Amazon Studios has acquired the U.S. rights to “A Hero,” fares from Abu Dhabi to Greece the next film from Oscar winner Asghar Farhadi, an indi- chain to move into 24-hour low vidual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap. cost gyms Bureau Report UAE have been allowed to enter Farhadi returned to his home of Iran to write and di- WASHINGTON Greece without quarantine rect “A Hero,” which is currently in postproduction and The company behind the Kingdom’s Fitness Time and with highly flexible subscrip- Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is oper- since April 19, provided they is considered a safe bet to be included in this year’s centers, said that more than 20 Xpress gyms were tions that start with a minimum ating two flights per week to present a negative PCR test 72 Cannes Film Festival, though it’s not confirmed just yet. now under construction commitment of one month, and at Greece, with one-way fares hours before the arrival or a Amazon is expecting to debut “A Hero” in 2022 as an Dubai launches Bureaau Report a reasonable price, to make clubs from 199 dirhams ($54), as vaccination certificate. awards season release. DUBAI and gyms more accessible to sup- travel restrictions for UAE resi- “Athens and Thessaloniki pro- Plot details are being kept under wraps. The writer- food and Leejam Sports Company, Saudi port the achievement of the Saudi’s dents ease. vide incredible historic and director will also produce the film with Memento Films Arabia’s biggest fitness operator, vision 2030 targets,” Leejam said in The airline currently flies to cultural experiences and we Productions’ Alexandre Mallet-Guy. agriculture has opened its first 24-hour low-cost a statement. The center, located on Thessaloniki every Thursday. look forward to enabling peo- The project also reunites Farhadi with Amazon, which Xpress Fitness Center in Hail. Hatim Al Taie Road in Khamashiah It will fly twice per week on ple to witness all that Greece released his 2016 film “The Salesman,” which won technology city The company behind the Kingdom’s District of Hail city, brings the total Thursdays and Sundays from has to offer,” Kees Van Schaick, the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film (as the Fitness Time centers, said that more number of Fitness Time centers July, and on Mondays and managing director of Wizz Air International Film category was then called). He last di- The new Food Tech Valley will than 20 Xpress gyms were now operating inside and outside the Fridays from June. Abu Dhabi, said in a statement. rected 2018’s “Everybody Knows,” which was in Spanish feature research and development under construction, confirming its Kingdom to 131. Greece’s second city has a Passengers will be subject to and English and starred Javier Bardem and Penélope facilities to develop advanced farm- commitment to expand into the low number of landmarks from COVID-19 precautionary meas- Cruz. ing technology cost segment. It made the disclosure Byzantine churches to ancient ures on their travel, including His 2011 marital drama “A Separation” won the Oscar for Bureaau Report in a stock exchange filing on Sunday. ruins. Ferries run from the port social distancing guidelines. Best International Feature and was also nominated for DUBAI The Hail center will operate 24 to a number of Greek islands The aviation industry is antici- Farhadi for Best Original Screenplay. VoM Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed hours with a low-cost operating including Skopelos, where the pating improved traffic during bin Rashid Al-Maktoum has model and without swimming pools, hit movie “Mamma Mia” was the summer, as countries dou- Halle Berry revealed in a launched a specialized zone it said. filmed. ble down on their local vacci- that will help the UAE achieve “It will also be digitally enabled Permanent residents of the nation drives. selfie that she has long hair its food security goals. The new Food Tech Valley will feature research and develop- China’s May Day holidays open on an upbeat note with ment facilities to develop ad- vanced farming technology, flight, hotel bookings hitting record highs over 1st day and incubate innovative agri- business ideas. Bureaau Report the Ministry of Transport. Tickets for the Summer Palace in The Dubai ruler said the devel- RIYADH Meanwhile, bookings for hotels that Beijing until Tuesday had been sold out opment will triple the UAE’s The May Day holidays opened on an up- were checked into Saturday also hit as of 8am Sunday with the hotspot’s food production. beat note, with flight and hotel book- a fresh high, the Qunar data showed. Wednesday ticket allocation 86 percent “We launched the first phase of ings hitting record highs on Saturday, The fever continued into Sunday, with booked out, theBeijing Youth Daily re- Food Tech Valley, a new mod- as “revenge” travel and consumption is Shanghai Disneyland Hotel fully booked ported Sunday. ern & vibrant city that will now all the rage over the five-day holi- for Sunday check-ins. Bookings for ho- The holiday also fired up other sources serve as a global destination day, the first long break Chinese people tels surrounding the Badaling Great Wall of consumer spending. for start-ups and industry ex- could enjoy taking trips this year after in Beijing soared 80 percent compared The country’s box office totaled 455.47 perts in the food ecosystem,” the stay-put-advocated Spring Festival. with 2019. million yuan ($70.37 million) on he said on Twitter. Bookings for flights taking off Saturday, The frenzy is not only confined to Saturday, ac-cording to Chinese ticketing “It will host R&D facilities, in- the first day of the May Day holidays, travel hotspots. Many hotels in Anshan, platform Maoyan. The May Day holiday DUBAI novation center, smart food hit a rec-ord high, per data provided by Northeast China’s Liaoning Province, box office, includ-ing presales, had sur- Halle Berry shocked fans by debuting a drastic haircut logistics hub and areas for ver- Chinese online travel agency platform traditionally not a tourist city, were also passed 800 million yuan as of 9:30pm at the 2021 Oscars. But as it turns out, her bold bob and tical farming,” the UAE leader Qunar to Global Times on Sunday. booked out on Sat-urday. Sunday. baby bangs weren’t all that they seemed. added. The figure suggests a rise of about 20 On top of that, the second May 5 shop- On Saturday, the actress shared a selfie via Instagram The UAE’s food trade exceeds percent over the bookings for the first ping festival kicked off in Shanghai on that showed her with long, highlighted strands under- 100 billion dirhams ($27.2 day of May Day holidays in 2019. Saturday, with realtime consumer pay- neath a dark hat. It’s unclear in the photo if she was billion) annually, he said, de- Passenger trips via railways, roads, out data from China UnionPay, Alipay also sporting bangs, but her hair is undoubtedly longer scribing the Gulf country as a waterways and air hit 58.27 million on and Tencent Pay showing that consum- than it was just last weekend. global food logistics hub. the first day of the May Day holidays, ers forked out over 2 billion yuan from The Gulf region has been ex- up 119.2 percent year-on-year, with 8pm to 10pm Saturday. By comparison, caption. Berry previously wore the shorter hairstyle ploring ways to improve sus- railways handling 18.83 mil-lion pas- it took nearly three hours for the spend- on“Oscar April bob...just 25 with kidding a strapless ,” Berr purpley wrot dresse a sdesignedthe photo’ bys tainability in regards with food senger trips and air passengers trips ing data to top 2 billion yuan dur-ing Dolce & Gabbana. The dress had a ruched bodice, a production. totaling 1.87 million, showed data from last year’s Shanghai shopping festival. V-shaped neckline, a semi-sheer skirt, and a giant bow attached to its waistline. Baby bangs - or short strands of hair that hang across the forehead, and are shorter than typical bangs - are generally controversial, as some people find them un- appealing. But Berry didn’t seem to mind when peo- Hamilton vs. Verstappen is ple poked fun at her daring hair choice. She laughed ‘I used to cry’: Hasan Ali opens up about the at jokes online and even tweeted: “love you guys and getting better with every race your memes. xx.” time he ‘lost nearly everything’ Bureau Report Imola but nothing malicious -- Bureau Report a comeback so that the world will re- off.” Pakistan won the first Test match TOKYO Verstappen snatched the lead Katherine beams while HARARE member [me]. I had a lot to prove on - It wasn’t a classic by any stretch, from Hamilton with an aggres- Pakistan pacer Hasan Ali opened up my fitness and performances for my nings and 116 runs courtesy splendid but the Portuguese Grand Prix sive, but fair, move which forced cuddling up with Chris about the time he ‘lost nearly every- comeback. I did well and carried on againstbowling Zimbabwe performance in Harare by Hasan, by an who in was confirmation of two things the world champion across the thing’ during his time out from the the same performance in international bagged match figures of 9/89, and was we’ve suspected for a while: kerbs. Exactly the kind of move national team. cricket. It was the hard work that paid adjudged player of the match. Mercedes and Red Bull are in- you need to pull on a driver of While speaking in the virtual post- credibly closely matched, and Hamilton’s ability. match press conference, the pacer re- the Hamilton-Verstappen battle We got to see two overtakes -- vealed that he used to tear up when has the potential to be a box of- one from either driver on the undergoing his rehabilitation from fice rivalry. other -- at Portimao. Verstappen injury. The margin of Hamilton’s caught Hamilton napping at the “There was a phase when I lost nearly 29-second victory is misleading, Safety Car restart and passed everything. It was a difficult journey. I masking the fact he had to pass into Turn 1. Explaining what was out of cricket for nearly two years, both Verstappen and Bottas to happened, Hamilton said: “I was fighting with multiple injuries but win the race and glossing over focusing naturally on Valtteri came back after getting fitter. It was a the fight for fastest lap that and literally just for a split-sec- frustrating time and I used to cry. But dropped Verstappen and Bottas ond I looked in my mirror just to one thing I never forgot was to try and back after making late pit stops see where Max was, and in that work hard. Because that was the only for fresh tyres. split-second, that’s when Valtteri thing I had in my hands,” Hasan said. Hamilton’s championship lead went, so I lost out to Valtteri. So Hasan added that his sole goal was to over Verstappen is just eight that wasn’t great.” don the national colors, which kept points after three races. It’s fair Hamilton laughed and added: him going during the tough phase. to assume we will see plenty “Then I was in Valtteri’s tow “I had one aim and that was to make more battles between the two and he was about to pull out, Dubai of them this season. We’re being so I pulled out, and gave Max They have been married for nearly two years. But the honey- Nikoloz Basilashvili overcomes Jan-Lennard spoiled this year by some of the Valtteri’s tow, and I was like moon phase appears to still be very much ongoing for action on-track action. ‘you idiot’ to myself!” Hamilton star Chris Pratt and his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger. Struff to win Munich Open While the second half of the race wasn’t annoyed at himself The smoldering 41-year-old Jurassic World star could be seen MUNICH final of the Munich Open on Sunday. interruption to win his fifth ATP title. was fairly dull, it was the third for too long, capitalising on a cuddling up to Katherine on her Insta Stories this Saturday. Nikoloz Basilashvili clinched his sec- The fifth-seeded Basilashvili, who Basilashvili lost just three service time in three races we’ve seen Verstappen mistake on the se- Katherine was beaming in the brief video as her beefcake ond title of the year with a 6-4, 7-6 (5) won in Qatar in March, started well points in the 35-minute first set, and Hamilton and Verstappen go quence of corners leading to husband showed off his toned arms in a T-shirt and wrapped victory over Jan-Lennard Struff in the and resumed after a 30-minute rain saved the only break point he faced in wheel to wheel on track and the the long straight and reclaiming them around her. the sixth game. Both players served third time it’s passed by without the position around the outside Their soundtrack for their morning cuddle session was the well in the tiebreaker until Struff incident. a few laps later. 1968 Rascals song A Beautiful Morning which has been used struck a backhand into the net. At the Bahrain Grand Prix they Verstappen said the mistake in such films as A Bronx Tale. Basilashvili won two matches on battled for the win. There was came from trying to put pressure Chris revealed on his own Insta Stories on Saturday that they Saturday to reach the final. His quar- contact at the first corner at on Bottas out in front. had been woken ‘every hour last night for a crying baby!’ He terfinal with Norbert Gombos was and his wife are the proud parents of an eight-month-old suspended Friday due to rain. The daughter called Lyla Maria Pratt who is partly named for her Georgian completed a 6-4, 6-4 win maternal grandmother. before sweeping past Casper Ruud Katherine is a showbiz legacy as the daughter of both Kennedy 6-1, 6-2 in the semifinals. scion Maria Shriver and action star turned California governor Basilashvili did not drop a set in five Arnold Schwarzenegger. matches in Munich and now has a 5-2 Chris also shares an eight-year-old son called Jack with his first career record in finals. wife Anna Faris whom he split from in 2017 with the divorce Though he lost, the 44th-ranked Struff being finalized in 2018. He married Katherine over the sum- shed his record of being the highest- mer of 2019 at San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, which is where ranked men’s player yet to have John F. Kennedy honeymooned with Jacqueline. played an ATP singles final. Monday, May 03, 2021 The Asian Telegraph www.theasiantelegraph.net

NCOC decides to ban US sale of maritime patrol inbound pedestrian jets to India further intensify movement from military industrial complex Afghanistan, Iran Amid pandemic crisis, U.S. approves $2.4 billion sale of maritime patrol jets to India as part of Reviewed policy will have no effect on existing moves to counter China: Report cargo trade movement and will remain effec- WASHINGTON tive till 19th of this month United States announced it will sell six P-8 ISLAMABAD : maritime patrol aircraft and related gear In view of restricting new variants of CO- to India worth $2.42 billion that an Ameri- VID-19 away from Pakistan, the National Command and Coordination Center (NCOC) can newspaper said Saturday was part of has decided to cease the inbound pedes- Washington’s move to push New Delhi into trian movement from Afghanistan and Iran “greater regional efforts” to counter China. from Wednesday with exception to Paki- The jet sale was announced by the State De- stani nationals desirous to return. partment and the Pentagon’s Defence Secu- The NCOC took this decision, while review- rity Cooperation agency notified Congress ing Land Border Management policy with of the sale on Friday. Afghanistan and Iran to ensure regulated In a dispatch about the Biden administra- inbound pedestrian movement and effec- tion’s decision to equip India with the so- tive management of COVID protocols at Border Terminals (BTs). phisticated military aircraft, The Washing- The forum reviewed the policy in view of ton Times pointed out that India had joined the emergence of various variants and to the “Quad” of regional powers, including restrain import of any new mutation to the United States, Japan and Australia that Pakistan. is “emerging as a quasi-anti-Beijing alli- It, however, allowed inbound pedestrian ance.” movement in case of extreme medical cases. The P-8 is a militarized Boeing-737 consid- The reviewed policy will have no effect on ered an advanced anti-submarine and anti- existing cargo trade movement and will re- surface ship weapon. Its armament includes main effective till 19th of this month and all outbound pedestrian movement is permis- torpedoes and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, sible. the newspaper said. The jets also can oper- The NCOC also reviewed testing and quar- ate as maritime surveillance aircraft and antine protocols, according to which in- Kashmir Issue provide targeting and tracking information. bound pedestrians will undergo Rapid The sale is the third purchase of P-8s by Antigen Test (RAT) and positive cases, India employing all tools of genocide in IIOJK, New Delhi. The Indians paid $2.1 billion in Pakistani Nationals only, will be shifted to 2009 for eight P-8s and purchased four ad- nearby quarantine facilities. ditional jets in 2016. Border Terminals will remain open for sev- says, Shehryar Khan Afridi In 2013, India purchased AGM-84L Har- en days a week and employment strength of Law Enforcement Agencies and health The present government has come a long way in internationalising the Kashmir issue poon missiles and Mk 54 torpedoes for its P-8s. staff at BTs will be increased for implemen- ISLAMABAD tation of testing protocols and to control tant to PM on National Security. These boards would be working under the The patrol aircraft sale also included tacti- Once dead and dormant, the Parliamentary However, Chairman Kashmir Committee panel’s sub-committees, he added. cal radio systems, missile warning sensors, Committee on Kashmir has seen a total re- Shehryar Khan Afridi stands out among Afridi said it would advise the committee Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Na- vamp, becoming a potent force in interna- GPS inertial navigation and engine spares, tional Health, Dr Faisal Sultan has said that PM’s team due to his extraordinary efforts on the issues of culture, information tech- high traffic density. tionalising Kashmir Cause at all forums. and innovative initiatives to infuse new nology, academia and research, youth af- and aircraft counter-missile systems. the COVID-19 vaccine is very effective to Since taking over as chairman of the Par- “This proposed sale will support the foreign protect citizens from medical complica- force in the country’s narrative on Kashmir fairs, lawfare and human rights. liamentary body, Shehryar Khan Afridi has Dispute. Afridi said the board on information tech- policy and national security of the United tions of many virus variants. instilled a new spirit into Kashmir Commit- States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-In- In a statement, he said keeping in view “The Parliamentary Committee on Kash- nology would help Kashmir cause get its tee and now the outlook of the body sug- mir has been completely overhauled to due space on the digital platforms. He dian strategic relationship and to improve the detection of new COVID-19 variants in gested that it was the most effective body Pakistan and raising questions on the ef- supplement the government’s offensive on said since India was employing all tools the security of a major defensive partner, of the Parliament which adding new arse- Kashmir,” Chairman of Kashmir Committee of genocide in IIOJK, the puppet regime of which continues to be an important force fectiveness of vaccine process, the country nal to the country’s outdated narrative on men are advised to must go for vaccination Shehryar Khan Afridi told APP, the other IIOJK was specially targeting Kashmiri cul- for political stability, peace, and economic Kashmir Dispute. day. Highlighting the forum’s performance, ture and heritage to suppress the freedom against the virus to avoid facing more com- The present government has come a long progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia plications and hospitalization. VoM Afridi said the committee had recently movement. way in internationalising the Kashmir issue. formed multiple advisory boards to help “Since Indians want to kill the Kashmiri region,” the State Department said in an- With the communication sector experienc- build a strong narrative on Kashmir issue identity and culture, we are working to pro- nouncing the sale. VoM ing a phenomenal change in the 21st cen- by evolving an all-encompassing policy on tect and promote Kashmiri culture. Hence, tury, the PTI government swiftly brought Kashmir. we are involving experts to promote the multiple changes in its policy to sensitize Asked to explain the objective of the adviso- true identity of Kashmiris,” he said. Afridi the world about the war crimes and human ry boards, Shehryar Afridi said there was a noted that the board would consist of top- rights violations committing by the puppet dire need for the state to involve the private regime of New Delhi in the Indian Illegally sector with the committee to add value and help revive and project Kashmiri culture, Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). valour to the Kashmir narrative. notchbeing destroyed artists, thinkers by occupational and film makersregime toin Not only Prime Minister Imran Khan led He said these boards would not only give IIOJK. the Kashmir offensive from the front, his ef- advice to the Committee but would also He said the board on academia and research forts were well supplemented by his team work on voluntary basis to add value to the would push for research to develop new including Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood country’s diplomatic offensive on Kashmir. content to revive the narrative on Kashmir. Qureshi and Dr Moeed Yusuf, Special Assis- VoM Pak, China Trade No compromise on Pakistan’s Exports to China witness upsurge by Infrastructural Development blasphemy laws: Ashrafi NHA starts construction projects of motorways, LAHORE 64% in past three months: Commercial Consular Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on highways under Public Private Partnership He made these remarks while participating in a re- training Pakistani traders and workforce to meet the cently held a brainstorming session online with rep- required standards, they said. They also told the trad- As per vision of Prime Minister Imran 264,000 kilometres while the total length of resentatives of Pakistani trading community to dis- ers to appoint local agents for effective marketing and Interfaithwould be no Harmony compromise Hafiz on Muhammad the blasphemy Tahir Khan, the Ministry of Communications, 51 motorways and national highways under cuss how to secure a due share in the over $2 trillion ensure active presence in trade exhibitions held in Mehmoodlaws, as all Ashrafithe Ulema on and Saturday religious said leaders there NHA has successfully started working the NHA is 13,572 kilometres, which include import market of China rejected the resolution passed by the Euro- on construction of motorways and 11,255 kms-38 national highways, 2,055 kms- pean Union in the regard. 10 motorways, and 262 kms-3 strategic roads. BEIJING national highways under the Public China.them. On Pakistani the occasion, traders RCCI asked President the officials Nasir to Mirza organise said Addressing a press conference here at the Private Partnership (PPP) mode. In As per vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement Phase-II that the CPFTA-II had opened up the door for Pakistani Muthida Ulema Board Seerat Academy, he (CPFTA-II) effective since January 1, last year is now sector-specific webinars with their Chinese fellows for this regard an Act has also been ap- the Ministry of Communications, NHA has suc- traders to the Chinese market. He said that the RCCI said the stance of Prime Minister Imran cessfully started working on construction of showing results. Pakistan’s exports to China shot up by members were interested in exports of gems and pre- Khan on Islamophobia was that of the entire proved for effective implementation of 64% during January-March 202, Commercial Consular, cious minerals to China. Muslim World. No one could be allowed to such projects motorways and national highways under the Bilal Ahmad Butt, Consul General of Pakistan in Hong blasphemy of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ISLAMABAD Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. In this He made these remarks while participating in a recent- Kong SAR, China told the traders that Honk Kong was a (Peace Be upon Him) in the name of freedom The government has formulated a compre- regard an Act has also been approved for effec- Pakistanly held a brainstorming Embassy, Beijing, session Badar online Uz Zaman with representa said. - big consumer market with no local production. of speech or religion and any violence in that hensive policy to undertake projects under tive implementation of such projects. The Public tives of Pakistani trading community to discuss how to regard was also not tolerable, he added. the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode Private Partnership Authority and Cell have been secure a due share in the over $2 trillion import market A negative discussion continued in the Eu- to construct motorways and highways while made functional at the NHA headquarters. The of China. ropean Union regarding Islamophobia and - providing an opportunity to the private sec- Cell has made practical advancement for pri- tor to invest in the public sector road building vate sector participation in national highways, drop of the updated China-Pakistan FTA. body in Pakistan was allowed question the TheThey conference stressed the had need particular to robust significance efforts into thetake back full schemes to support and sustain Pakistan’s rapid motorways, tunnels and bridges projects in the blasphemy,non-Muslims Ashrafi about their said. religion. The SAPM “Our said courts no rate of economic growth. The National Highway country. Sharing data with APP, Director Public take decisions on the basis of facts, law and to Pakistani traders under the CPFTA-II. justice,” he added. He invited the European Authority (NHA) has the responsibility of coun- Relations National Highway Authority (NHA) benefits of the concessions granted by the Iron Brother states’ ambassadors to review the baseless trywide planning, construction, operation and Mariam Mumtaz said that the Authority consid- reports about Pakistan as some elements maintenance of motorways, national highways, ers that the technical, managerial and financial However,must for penetrating the government the Chinese officials market. told the traders that wanted to play with its integrity and solidar- strategic roads, bridges and tunnels. The total resources of the private sector can make a useful value-addition,The Chinese authorities certification also and offer branding generous were help all by a ity, and the sentiments of its people. length of road network of the country is about addition to its own efforts. Global Market Geopolitics UN Mideast envoy calls for new and timely date Asia-Pacific markets broadly lower as investors turn cautious is a recipe for the USD to continue on its for Palestinian elections “Strong US economic momentum has downward trend,” Mundy added. Occupied Palestinian Territory, includ- positive implications for the global The U.S. dollar traded up 0.11% at 90.714 Palestinian President Mahmoud more than under a previous agreement ing in East Jerusalem. economy,” wrote Kim Mundy, a senior against a basket of its peers. The dollar Abbas announced the postpone- erswith be Israeli allowed authorities. to cast their ballots – far Giving people the chance to vote would economist and currency strategist at index is down from levels above 91.2 ment of the planned parliamentary “Facing this difficult situation, we de- renew the “legitimacy and credibility” the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, reached in the previous week. elections, amidst a dispute over vot- cided to postpone the date of holding of Palestinian institutions and help to in a morning note The Japanese yen changed hands at ing rights in Israeli-annexed East legislative elections until the partici- re-establish Palestinian national unity, SINGAPORE 108.87 per dollar, comparatively weaker Jerusalem, according to news reports pation of Jerusalem and its people is he said. Asia-Pacific markets struggled for gains than levels below 108.00 that it traded at UNITED NATIONS guaranteed”, Abbas said, on Palestinian “This will also set the path toward as investors turned cautious, despite a Purchasing Manager’s Index fell to 51.1, last week. Elsewhere, the Australian dollar After the postponement of the television. meaningful negotiations to end the positive finish stateside in the previous from 51.9 in March. A reading above 50 traded higher by 0.08% at $0.7770. Palestinian Legislative Council elec- The last Palestine-wide ballot in 2006 occupation and realize a two-State so- session. Australia’s ASX 200 closed down indicates expansion. Oil prices rose overnight on the back of tions, originally scheduled for May 22, fuelled a factional split, with extrem- lution based on UN resolutions, inter- 0.8% at 7,025.80, with most sectors lower. Indian shares also declined in afternoon a weaker dollar and economic optimism, a senior UN official in the Middle East ist group Hamas gaining control over national law and previous agreements”, Energy and materials finished down trade with the Nifty 50 down 0.8% and but pulled back on Friday during Asian has urged the authorities to set a new the Gaza Strip, while Mr. Abbas’s Fatah added the UN official. 1.74% and 1.34%, respectively, while the the Sensex lower by 0.87%. trading hours. Still, prices are trading at date for heading to the polls. party won a majority in the Israeli- Moreover, setting a new and timely heavily-weighted financials subindex lost Session followed an overnight session levels not seen since March. UN Special Coordinator for the Middle occupied West Bank. date for elections would be ‘an impor- 0.67%. The Japanese market returned on Wall Street where major U.S. indexes U.S. crude declined 0.69% to $64.56 East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland Encouraging Palestinians “to continue tant step” in reassuring the Palestinian to trade after being closed for a holiday. finished higher. Economic activity state- while global benchmark Brent lost 0.5% said that he understood the “disap- on the democratic path”, Wennesland people that “their voices will be heard”. The benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 0.83% to side picked up in the first three months of to $68.22 a barrel. pointment of the many Palestinians” underscored the “widespread inter- Noting that the UN reaffirmed its sup- 28,812.63 while the Topix index declined 2021 as GDP rose 6.4% on an annualized “Crude oil prices rallied as signs of further who had gone nearly 16 years without national support” for transparent and port to strengthening the Palestinian 0.57% to 1,898.24. In South Korea, the basis, but it fell slightly short of expecta- strength in demand continue to emerge,” being able to cast their vote. inclusive elections throughout the national institutions, the Special Kospi index stumbled 0.83% to 3,147.86. tions. “Strong US economic momentum Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Coordinator stressed that a prolonged Chinese mainland shares also fell: The has positive implications for the global “The emergence of several US cities announced the postponement of the period of uncertainty risks “exacerbat- Shanghai composite declined 0.81% to economy,” wrote Kim Mundy, a senior ANZfrom analystslockdown wrote is stoking in a morning confidence note. of planned parliamentary elections, ing the fragile situation”. 3,446.86 while the Shenzhen component economist and currency strategist at the stronger demand in gasoline ahead of the amidst a dispute over voting rights in He called on all parties to maintain declined 0.18% to14,438.57 . In Hong Commonwealth Bank of Australia, in a key US summer driving season.” Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem, accord- calm, show restraint and refrain from Kong, the Hang Seng index was down morning note. “In our view, the global They added that the renewed optimism in ing to news reports. violence and encouraged leaders on all 1.98% in late-afternoon trade. economy will benefit from spill‑overs via U.S. and Europe is “overshadowing head- Israel governs voting conditions in the sides to “reduce tensions and create the Data showed China’s factory activity ex- higher US imports. The combination of winds in India, where a second wave of city, and Palestinians are reportedly conditions for a resumption of the elec- panded at a slower-than-expected pace low interest rates, an improving US econ- infections of Covid-19 are resulting in new insisting that all 150,000 eligible vot- toral process”. in April as the official manufacturing omy and an improving global economy travel restrictions being put in place.”

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