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IslamabadTuesday, May 04, 2021 Pakistan’s First AndP Only DiplomaticO Daily STPrice Rs. 20 Prime Minister Imran UN chief calls Pak stance clear for contacts with the for ensuring on Palestine and European Union media freedom Kashmir: Ashrafi Detailed News On Page-01 Detailed News On Page-06 Detailed News On Page-08 Sehr & Iftar Timings GSP+ RESOLUTION

CITY SEHR IFTAR ISLAMABAD 03:41 am 06:54 pm FAISALABAD 03:48 am 06:50 pm PM Imran LAHORE 03:43 am 04:45 pm KARACHI 04:30 am 07:04 pm SARGODHA 03:48 am 06:53 pm FIQA JAFARIA CITY SEHR IFTAR ISLAMABAD 03:31 am 07:04 pm for contacts FAISALABAD 03:38 am 07:00 pm LAHORE 03:33 am 04:55 pm KARACHI 04:20 am 07:14 pm SARGODHA 03:38 am 07:03 pm with the EU Briefs PM says Finality of Prophethood laws to stay; The participants of high level meeting President also said the GSP Plus trade agreement stresses has nothing to with blasphemy laws minorities and fundamental rights, were observing Special Correspondent on the rise. The resolution was presented by Renew Europe, a liberal, pro-European SOPs ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran political group of the European Parlia- Khan on Monday stressed the government ment. It was adopted with a majority of ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, would not compromise on the laws per- 681 votes against six. Responding to the calls on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. – DNA Staff Report taining to the finality of the Prophethood, European Parliament’s resolution, the ISLAMABAD: President sources said. It was called in response Foreign Office had expressed disappoint- Pak-UAE Dr Arif Alvi to a resolution passed by the European ment over the development. on Monday Parliament a few days ago, calling for a “The discourse in the European Parlia- enjoy PM Imran, OIC envoys urged the review of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status. ment reflects a lack of understanding in masses to The participants, during the meeting, de- the context of blasphemy laws and asso- brotherly follow the cided to address the reservations of the ciated religious sensitivities in Pakistan discuss Islamophobia guidelines European Union. It was also unanimously – and the wider Muslim world. The un - ties: CAS of National Command and decided that the protection of minorities warranted commentary about Pakistan’s Control Centre (NCOC) on in the country would be ensured. The par- judicial system and domestic laws are Ansar Bhatti Staff Report “PM briefed the envoys COVID-19 in bazaars and ticipants, according to sources, said the regrettable,” read a statement by the FO. outdoor gatherings, how- GSP Plus trade agreement has nothing to “Pakistan is a parliamentary democracy ISLAMABAD: Ambassa- ISLAMABAD: Prime Min- on Pakistan’s efforts ever said the same precau- with blasphemy laws. with a vibrant civil society, free media dor of the United Arab ister Imran Khan met the tions were also required to Last week, the European Parliament had and independent judiciary, which re- Emirates, Hamad Obaid Islamabad-based Ambassa- to create awareness be observed at mosques, adopted a resolution calling for a review of mains fully committed to the promotion Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, called on dors of countries belong- Imambargahs and proces- the GSP Plus status granted to Pakistan, and protection of human rights for all its Air Chief Marshal Zaheer ing to the Organisation of about Islamophobia” sions. “Bazaars are the saying that it has been observed that laws citizens without discrimination,” the For- Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Noting that Islamophobic gious personalities, wrongly most important [to follow (that it said were discriminatory) towards eign Office had added. of the Air Staff, Pakistan Recalling the two letters ad- acts fan inter-religious ha- justified under the garb of SOPs], but directions are Air Force in his office. The dressed by him to the lead- tred and disharmony among the right to freedom of ex- also for Masajid, Imambar- visiting dignitary congrat- ers of the Islamic world last civilizations, the Prime Min- pression or opinion, hurts gahs, Taraveehs, Majalis ulated the Air Chief on year, the Prime Minister ister called for addressing the sentiments of 1.5 billion and processions,” the pres- assuming command of the briefed the envoys on Paki- the underlying reasons for Muslims around the world. ident said in a tweet. PAF. He also assured of stan’s efforts at the interna- the rise in such incidents The Prime Minister urged cooperation and support in tional level to create aware- worldwide. Falsely equating the OIC to work together Ready to all spheres of collaboration ness about Islamophobia Islam with radicalism and for making the international between the two countries and the need to collectively terrorism, he added, was community understand the cooperate and their Air Forces. address the phenomenon. leading to the marginaliza- deep-rooted love and rever- The Air Chief said that Pa- The Prime Minister stressed tion and stigmatization of ence of all Muslims for the in electoral kistan and UAE have deep- that Pakistan’s initiatives Muslims. Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) rooted religious, cultural and were aimed at building mu- The Prime Minister empha- and the Holy Quran. reforms historical bonds which are tual understanding and pro- sized that the vilification of manifested through strong moting inter-faith harmony. Islamic precepts and reli- Continued on Page 06 cooperation between UAE Nazir Siyal Air Force and Pakistan Air Force. Various matters of Pakistan KARACHI: PPP Chairman mutual interests and bilater- Bilawal Bhu- al cooperation were also dis- Finance minister welcomes tto-Zardari RAWALPINDI: Ambassador of China in a meeting with cussed in the meeting. Monday said Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. –DNA Tajik, Kyrgyz that his par- slams IMF’s ty has always Eid holidays ceasefire been an ad- from 10-15 vocate of electoral reforms, Pakistan eyes vaccinating ‘grave injustice’ Staff Report adding that the PPP is ready May for all such reforms. “In a ISLAMABAD: Pakistan bid to stop rigging in elec- 70mn people in 2021 ISLAMABAD: The Interior Zubair Ahmed has welcomed the recent tions, it is necessary to in- Ministry said in a notifica- ceasefire agreement be- troduce legislation,” said Bi- tion on Monday that 5-day ISLAMABAD: Newly-ap- tween the governments of lawal. Praising his party, he Mahnoor Ansar Eid-ul-Fitr holidays will be pointed Finance Minister the Republic of Tajikistan observed throughout Paki- said that in every other by- COVID-19 claims Shaukat Tarin on Monday and the Kyrgyz Republic. ISLAMABAD: SAPM on stan from May 10 to 15. said that the Internation- We remain confident that polls, the vote bank of the The decision came after PPP continues to increase. Health Dr Faisal Sultan al Monetary Fund (IMF) both the countries would 79 more lives National Command and committed grave “injustice” be able to resolve the issue He further said that if PML-N Monday announced on Mon- Operations Centre (NCOC) has solid proof of rigging day that the government against Pakistan in terms of amicably through dialogue recommended 5-day Eid-ul- the Extended Fund Facility the economy has stopped in NA-249 by-polls, then it has planned to vaccinate Saifullah Fitr holidays in the country. and peaceful means, says a should contact the Election 70 million people by the offered to the country. moving forward, while cor- press release received from ISLAMABAD: The national tally on Monday of total active “Announcement of Eid Tarin remarks came during ruption is on the rise. Commission of Pakistan. end of 2021 and efforts are Holidays from 10-15 May the office of the spokesper- COVID-19 cases recorded 87,953 with 4,213 more people a meeting of the National The minister told the law- underway to acquire coro- 2021 — clearly stating the son of Ministry of Foreign navirus vaccines so that it tested positive for the deadly virus and 5,842 people re- Assembly’s Standing Com- makers that if the current Affairs here today. covered from the disease during the last 24 hours. intention of reducing na- government is not able to CORRECTION is able to do so. In a media tional mobility,” read the mittee on Finance, Reve- briefing, Dr Faisal Sultan Seventy-nine corona patients have died during past 24 nue, and Economic Affairs. take the GDP growth to hours, 73 of whom were under treatment in hospital and statement from the NCOC. ISLAMABAD: Reference said due to the agreement As the coronavirus cases The meeting was chaired by 5%, then the country will Egyptian six out of the hospital in their respective quarantines or to our news regarding ap- on the transfer of technol- are increasing rapidly in the committee chairman, be at “God’s mercy for pointment of Afzal Latif as ogy, the National Institute homes, according to the latest update issued by the Na- Pakistan, NCOC has also Faiz Ullah Kamoka. the next four years”. He envoy meets Secretary Establishment, it of Health (NIH) will be tional Command and Operation Centre (NCOC). During announced comprehensive “IMF did injustice to Paki- assured the lawmakers Railways is clarified that Afzal Latif able to produce three mil- the past 24 hours, most of the deaths have occurred in guidelines by the name of stan, the demand to increase that he is trying to explain is BPS 22 officer of PAS. lion doses per month which Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed by the Punjab. Out of the “STAY HOME-STAY SAFE the electricity tariff is un- the situation to the IMF. minister It was erroneously men- total 79 deaths occurred in the last 24 hours, 24 of them — Eid-ul-Fitr-2021 from 8-16 justified,” said the minister, tioned as BPS 21. Error is Continued on Page 06 had died who were under treatment on ventilators. May 2021”. – DNA adding that due to the move, Continued on Page 06 regretted. Inside... Govt unveils electoral reforms agenda: Fawad 5 more vaccination centers being set Under the reforms package, section 103 is being amended to allow the use of E-voting machines up in Faisalabad – Page 02 Therefore, it has been decided to bring an compulsory on the political parties to hold registration data available with the NADRA. Nehal Miraj amendment in section 202 under which their annual conventions. An amendment He said we also want the delimitation of con- Businessmen cannot the political parties having representation in section 15 will provide an opportunity to stituencies on the basis of registered voters. afford any further ISLAMABAD: The government has prepared of ten thousand members will be able to the candidates to challenge the polling staff. The Adviser on parliamentary affairs said DNA lockdown after May 16 an electoral reforms agenda to ensure trans- get themselves registered. A new section Babar Awan said it is also being proposed that two constitutional amendments will also be – Page 03 ISLAMABAD: Minister parency and fairness in the election process. of 213A is also being introduced making it the electoral rolls be prepared on the basis of brought with the aim to ensure open ballot in for Railways Azam Swati MoIT, Huawei to Minister for Information and Broadcasting the Senate and allow the overseas Pakistan- has expressed the desire provide ICT trainings Chaudhary Fawad Hussain and Adviser on is to contest the elections. Babar Awan said to further strengthen to govt. officials Parliamentary Affairs Babar Awan shared de- that our reforms agenda also envisages the trade relations between – Page 04 tails of the reforms agenda at a news confer- proposal of further empowering the Election Pakistan and Egypt. He Pakistan and ASEAN ence in Islamabad on Monday. Commission of Pakistan. was talking to Egyptian – Page 05 Babar Awan said the reforms agenda envisag- Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambassador to Pakistan es a series of amendments to the constitution Chaudhary Fawad Hussain said the govern- who called on him in Is - Blinken presents and the Election Act 2017. He said reforms ment wants to get the reforms agenda passed lamabad on Monday. new North Korea agenda will be put forth before the stakehold- approach in G7 moot from the parliament through consensus. He The Minister said Paki - – Page 06 ers including the civil society, the media and said if the opposition parties are not ready for stan Railways is working bar councils and associations for their inputs. the reforms, it will impede the process of po- to enhance its customer India nears 20m Under the reforms package, the Adviser on litical and democratic development. The Infor- base by entering into cases as Europe Parliamentary Affairs said section 103 is be- mation Minister said it is the vision of Prime long term agreements eyes opening up ing amended to allow the use of electronic vot- Minister Imran Khan that the political parties – Page 07 with the domestic and ing machines to check rigging in the elections. sit together to carry out the electoral reforms. international suppli- Korea keen to promote He said section 94 will be amended to He said the reforms will enhance the confi- ers. Azam Swati said co-op with Khyber give the right of franchise to the overseas dence of the people, political parties and intel- the Egyptian investors Pakhtunkhwa Pakistanis. The Adviser on Parliamenta- ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad ligentsia on the election process. He defended should take advantage – Page 08 ry Affairs stressed that there should also Chaudhry along with Advisor on Parliamentary Affairs to Prime Minister, the use of electronic voting machines in the from investment friendly be democracy within the political parties. Dr Babar Awan addressing press conference at Pak China Center. – DNA election saying it will ensure early results. environment in Pakistan. IslamabadPOST 02 NATIONAL Tuesday, May 04, 2021 12 outlaws Briefs held in 5 more vaccination centers Sargodha CM appreciates Mehboob Ahir firefighters being set up in Faisalabad SARGODHA: Police have ar- rested 12 alleged criminals and recovered narcotics and Ishfaq Mughal Staff Report weapons from them. FAISALABAD: As many Police said on Monday that LAHORE: Punjab Chief during the ongoing cam- Minister Sardar Usman as five more corona vacci- nation centers is being es- paign against drug-pushers Buzdar has appreciated the and criminals, teams of dif- firefighters, who save the tablishing to facilitate the public for fast vaccination ferent police stations con- lives of people while endan- ducted raids and arrested gering their own lives. and tackle the rush in the city area. 12 accused and recovered In his message on firefight- 1.5-kg hashish, 110 litres of er’s day, the chief minister This was informed to State Minister for Information & liquor, five guns of 12-bore, said the firefighters’ role two rifles of 444-bore, two was very crucial in mini- Broadcasting Mian Farukh Habib by Deputy Commis- pistols of 30-bore and a Kal- mizing the losses of life and ashnikov from them. property in the incidents of sioner Muhammad Ali dur- ing the inspection of Corona They were identified as Mu- fire, adding that the Punjab hammad Zeeshan, Imran government had paid atten- Vaccination Center at Sports Complex Samanabad. Khalid, Ghulam Murtaza, tion to the training of fire- Naveed, Jamal Ali, Pervaiz fighters on modern lines. Deputy Commissioner fur- ther informed that More and others. Police have reg- The professional training istered separate cases. minimizes the losses in than 48 thousand citizens untoward incidents and re- have been vaccinated with sources have been provided Corona Virus in district PCF bars by the Punjab government so far including first and to improve the training second doze. He informed cycling standards of firefighters, he that 17 centers are fully added. Besides providing functional in double shifts activities due modern training to Res- and all arrangements were cue-1122, its scope has also being monitored regularly. to pandemic been expanded to the level State Minister and Deputy of tehsils, the CM added. Commissioner also exam- ined the process of vaccina- DNA tions to senior citizens and asked about vaccines from of civil defence to make He also guided to make sure Complex Samanabad, Tehsil Khurianwala. He added ‘Media’s checked whether they are duty doctors until they sure they guide senior citi- everyone follows Corona headquarters Hospital new Corona SOPs are being ISLAMABAD: Pakistan following Corona SOPs or were satisfied. State Min- zen in a proper manner and SOPs and maintain cleanli- building, Sports Complex followed in these centres. Cycling Federation (PCF) liberty not and also guided officers ister directed to facilitate from taking them when en- ness in vaccination centers. Jhumra, Tehsil Headquar- Assistant Commissioners President Syed Azhar Ali to increase convenience for the people and functional tering the main gate to leav- Health officer told that pro- ters Hospital New building Umar Maqbool, Syed Ayub Shah on Monday barred linked with aged men and women. fans should be present at ing them to the vehicle after cess of senior citizen vacci- Tandlianwala, Sports Com- Bukhari, CDO Rana M. Ab- all cycling activities due They also communicated centers. Deputy Commis- vaccination, they should as- nations is being implicated plex Jaranwala and Rural bas and other officers were to ongoing situation of the democracy’ with senior citizens and sioner instructed duty staff sist them generously. on daily bases in Sports Health centre new building also present. COVID-19 pandemic in the country. LAHORE: The speakers at “The third wave of the coro- a national webinar on press navirus is very dangerous freedom called upon the Balochistan govt and to avoid this epidem- need to create unity among Ministers, MPs meet CM Buzdar, ic, the public and athletes journalist organizations for should take special care of their rights and said media beefs up Covid-19 the use of masks and Stand- freedom in Pakistan was as- discuss issues of mutual interest ard Operating Procedures sociated with the independ- ed. A mechanism had been The chief minister an- of Punjab was a worth-fol- health facilities SOPs and must follow the ence of democracy. Khayam Abbasi devised to monitor develop- nounced provision of fa- lowing example for other government precautionary The webinar was organ- ment projects at every level cilities to people at their provinces, adding that re- measures,” he told APP. ized by Punjab University LAHORE: Two Punjab min- to get positive results, he doorsteps by upgrading sources have been provided Zubair Ahmad He said the athletes should School of Communication ister and various parliamen- added. healthcare and educational for repair and maintenance continue their practice indi- Studies in which Pro Vice tarians called on Punjab The CM said that timely facilities. Regrettably, mon- of temples, churches and ISLAMABAD: The Balochistan government has scaled up all vidually with at their homes. Chancellor Prof Dr. Saleem Chief Minister Sardar Us- completion of development ey was wasted on exhibitory gurdwaras of the minority of its efforts aimed to beef up healthcare facilities to prepare “Athletes should pay atten- Mazhar, SCS Director Prof man Buzdar at his office on schemes was important to projects in the past while communities. Similarly, for any untoward situation in the wake of rising third wave of tion to their physical fitness Dr Noshina Saleem, senior Monday and discussed mat- facilitate citizens and the neglecting the actual de- necessary facilities were be- COVID-19. and diet during the corona- most teachers of journal- ters of mutual interest. sustained monitoring would mands and priorities of peo- ing ensured at the religious A state-of-the-art 30 beds Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with an virus outbreak so that they ism ,including Prof Dr Me- Those meeting the CM ensure efficiency and trans- ple, he said. places of minority commu- automated ventilator and oxygen system has been set up stay physically and mentally hdi Hasan, Prof Dr. Shafiq were: Punjab Minister for parency. The menace of The incumbent government nities in the province, he at Civil Sandeman Hospital Quetta, an official told media. fit,” he said. Jullandhry, Dr. Mujahid Ali Human Rights and Minor- corruption, in development has ended that wrong tra- added. Along with it, the Moreover, 20 High Dependency Unit (HDU) beds were also To a question, he said that Mansoori, eminent journal- ities Affairs Ijaz Alam Au- projects, was a thing of the dition and the negative tac- PTI government was cor- being added in Fatima Jinnah Chest Hospital Quetta with all several international events ists Salman Ghani, Hamid gustine, Energy Minister past and no one would be tics of influencing people recting the mistakes of the required facilities, instruments and equipments, he added. were to be held under the Mir, Lahore Press Club Muhammad Akhtar Malik, allowed any wrongdoing through political jugglery past as the country has de- The government, he said has also expedited vaccination auspices of Pakistan Cycling President Arshad Ansari, Sardar Muhammad Khan now because development were also done away with. viated from its destination process and set up many vaccination centers in the prov- Federation (PCF) but due to Pakistan Federal Union of Leghari, MNA, and MPAs schemes were executed Similarly, the era of the due to the wrong policies of ince. Some 558 tests were conducted across the province the coronavirus in the coun- Journalists President Rana Mahindar Pal Singh, Sal- through hard-earned money lip-service was over and the past rulers. There was during the last 24 hours and 92 people were tested Covid try, all cycling competitions Muhammad Azeem, PU eem Akhtar and Ghulam Ali of people, he the government practically no room for any wrongdo- positive whereas the province has highest positivity rate of have been postponed as for- TV Director and moderator Asghar. continued. “I am person- performs. Those who keep er in Punjab as a country 15.5 percent. The positivity ratio was determined at every eign athletes have to partici- Dr. Shabbir Sarwar, faculty The CM reiterated his re- ally monitoring different pending official instructions lagged due to corruption, 100 samples indicating confirmed positive cases out of the pate in these events. members and a large num- solve to continue consulta- development projects by have no right to stay on he added. total samples observed, he added. In the wake of rising third “The cycling championship ber of students participated tions with the parliamen- conducting regular field their posts, he said. No vin- The PTI government has wave of COVID-19, the provincial government was taking was also to be held in La- in the event. tarians for timely solution visits and a vigilant eye is dictive action has been ini- raised a strong voice against extra measures to make sure implementation of standard hore, but was postponed Addressing the webinar, Dr. to people-related problems kept on every development tiated against anyone in the corruption and a new exam- operating procedures (SOPs) that were the only remedy af- due to the coronavirus. A Mehdi Hasan said:” We can- and promised to give im- scheme,” he said. Usman province nor would be done ple has been set by intro- ter vaccine to fight the disease, the official said. He added further decision to hold the not achieve press freedom portance to their proposals, Buzdar said that no one in future, he added. ducing meaningful reforms that the government has tightened the situation to ensure cycling events will be taken unless we ensure“right to adding that feasible sugges- would be allowed to misap- The CM said that the minor- in a short period of time, implementation of SOPs and for that purpose four Special after the situation of the know” and promote inves- tions would be implement- propriate funds. ity empowerment package added the CM. Magistrates have been posted in Quetta. coronavirus is under control tigative journalism.” He in the country,” he said. added that political parties He said that the federation and organizations of journal- PIC starts would use all its resources ists should jointly work for for the promotion of cycling the freedom of press in the pediatric heart in the country. “Regular cy- country. – APP surgeries cling competitions will also be organized in the educa- tional institutions as to pro- CCPO DNA mote cycling at the grass- punishes root level,” he said. PESHAWAR: Peshawar Insti- He said no sport can devel- cops, seals tute of Cardiology (PIC) has op in any country without achieved a milestone by start- the government’s patronage restaurants ing open heart surgeries, heart and support from the spon- and lung transplants and other sors. “The government and heart treatments for children. sponsors should focus on DNA The spokesperson for Pesha- cycling like other sports so war Institute of Cardiology, that cyclists can win more LAHORE: Capital City Po- Rifat Anjum said that the insti- medals for the country at lice Officer (CCPO) Lahore tute was only special pediatric the international level. Ghulam Mahmood Dogar, cardiac hospital in the province during his visit to markets which provides such treatment to review implementation and surgeries. By-election of coronavirus standard op- He said that PIC would provide erating procedures (SOPs), arrangement latest treatment to children ordered for sealing restau- with various heart related dis- rants including the truck reviewed by eases like holes in heart and stand at Sabzi Mandi for vio- heart transplant. RPO lating the ban on indoor din- The spokesperson said that ing and other restrictions. internationally renowned pedi- SARGODHA: Commission- The police arrested owners er Sargodha Division Dr. of restaurants and hotels in- atric and heart transplant sur- geon, Dr.Mubashir Zarin Khan Farah Masood and Region- cluding Saeed & Ilyas Dum- al Police Officer (RPO) ba Karahi while eight FIRs Tahirkhel has joined the Pesha- war Institute of Cardiology. Sargodha Ashfaq Khan were registered at police visited Khushab district station Ravi Road. Dr.Mubashir has treated hun- dreds of children with heart on Monday and reviewed The CCPO expressed dis- security arrangements for pleasure over violations diseases in Canada, Saudi Ara- HYDERABAD: Members of Hyderabad Union of Journalists (HUJ) burns candles in connection of bia and in Pakistan. the by-elections in PP-84 and said only take away and world Journalism day outside Hyderabad press club. – DNA constituency. home delivery were allowed Both the officers visited by hotels and restaurants the Returning Officer’s but indoor dining was strict- Sub Office Roda. DC ly prohibited, as per the gov- Khushab Musarat Jabeen ernment directions. and DPO Khushab Mu- He ordered to suspend In- ICCBS reports 70 genomes of corona globally hammad Naveed were also charge Chowki Sabzi Mandi present. Ghulam Bari. A letter of ex- To achieve the large scale testing objective, NIV placed several PCR machines The RPO directed the dis- planation was issued to DSP and deputed highly trained virologists to Indus Hospital trict police officer (DPO) Shafique Abad Circle over Khushab and deputy com- poor supervision and two- during COVID19 pandemic. sold which are as per international search of better treatment of COV- of chemical and biomedical scienc- missioner (DC) Khushab year service of SHO Ravi Staff Report Talking to media, he said that standards, he said. ID patients in Pakistan. CBSCR es in the developing world. This to ensure security and Road was forfeited over fail- the National Institute of Virology Prof. Chaudhry said that the also conducted phase I clinical center has won more international administrative matters in ure in enforcement of coro- ISLAMABAD: Around 70 full ge- (NIV) of ICCBS conducted over ICCBS’s Center for Bio equiv- trials on SinoPharm vaccine and awards than any other institution the by-elections in PP-84 na SOPs. nomes of SARS-CoV-2 virus have 140,000 PCR based tests helping alence Studies and Clinical Re- proved its safety in Pakistan. Sin- in Pakistan. These international constituency. Dogar directed all divisional been sequenced and globally re- in national fight against the health search (CBSCR) oPharm vaccine is the only vac- awards include Islamic Develop- He said that it was a re- SPs to take indiscriminate ported from the genome center crises. cine which is currently being dis- ment Bank Prize for the Best Sci- sponsibility of the police legal action against all ho- of the International Center for To achieve the large scale test- pensed in government hospitals to ence Institution (twice 2004 and to maintain law and order tels and restaurants not fol- Chemical and Biological Sciences ing objective, NIV placed several people, he informed. 2010), World Health Organization during the election pro- lowing the corona SOPs. (ICCBS) so far and 350 genetic PCR machines and deputed highly He said that ICCBS research- Collaborating Center. This is UN- cess and foolproof security The CCPO also visited mar- mutations have been identified by trained virologists to Indus Hospi- ers have validated the efficacy ESCO Category II center. ICCBS should be provided as per kets at MM Alam Road, the center. tal. of drugs such as remdesivir, and is also recognized internationally the standard operating Liberty Market and DHA to The nationwide genome surveil- He introduced that the Industri- dimethyl lithospermate against by the OIC, and, TWAS as their procedures (SOPs), issued review the enforcement of lance was conducted to keep a al Analytical Center (IAC) of the molecular targets in SARS-CoV-2 Center of Excellence. by the Election Commis- corona SOPs. close watch on the emergence ICCBS, is the largest industrial virus. They also successfully cul- It has the most decorated faculty in sion. During his visit, he ordered of deadly variants in Pakistan to support facility of Pakistan in the tured the virus in green monkey’s the country that has won UNESCO The commissioner direct- for sealing restaurants and monitor the mutational changes in academic setup, initiated 24 hours cells and started testing various Science Prize, Fellowship of the ed the DC Khushab to shops including Irfan Alfa- the SARS Cov-II virus at the Jamil testing services of items manufac- herbs for their antiviral effects. Royal Society, Khwarizmi Interna- ensure implementation of lah Store, Zakir Tikka, Dog- ur Rahman Center for Genomics tured locally to fight pandemic. conducted clin- ical trials as Results of these studies were pub- tional Prize, ECO, and COMSTECH the corona SOPs, issued ar Restaurant, Mukhtar Hot of the ICCBS. IAC is an ISO 9000 and 17025 per international standards on lished internationally and patent- awards and UNESCO Science by the government and en- and Spicy, Karachi Bar-B-Q, These views were expressed by accredited center, and its reports two traditional medicines, pre- ed in Pakistan and in USA, Prof. Prize, while the national awards sure safe delivery of ballot Iceland and other commer- the Director ICCBS Prof. Dr. M. are internationally recognized. scribed in China. Chaudhry mentioned. include Nishan-e-lmtiaz (01), Hi- boxes and other election cial establishments. Iqbal Chaudhry, while mentioning IAC’s services ensured that only This was the only center at that The ICCBS is one of the finest ac- lal-e-lmtiaz (05), Sitara-e-lmtiaz (13), materials at the polling the Center’s services to the nation those products are allowed to be time to conduct clinical trials in ademic research establishments Tamgha-i-lmtiaz (13), etc. booths. – APP 03 IslamabadPOST

METROLITETuesday, May 04, 2021 Briefs Salma Businessmen cannot afford any Shaheen IHC reserves appointed decision on Secretary remand of further lockdown after May 16 (Legal HR) lawyers ICCI President said that the business community of the entire country had been ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) demanding the government to lift restrictions and extend business hours as has appointed Salma Sha- DNA they have already suffered huge losses due to the previous lockdowns heen, an officer of Inland ISLAMABAD: The Islam- Revenue Services as Sec- abad High Court (IHC) afford any further lockdown af- lamabad should not be treat - cisions about restrictions on retary Legal HR (BS-19 on on Monday reserved its Zubair Ahmad ter the Eid holidays. ed at par with other cities for businesses without any consul- acting charge basis), FBR judgment on an appeal of He said that during a recent vis - imposition of restrictions and tations with chambers of com- headquarter, Islamabad. prosecution seeking more ISLAMABAD: Sardar Yasir Il- it along with the Deputy Com - emphasized that the business merce and trade associations According to FBR notifica- physical remand of lawyers yas Khan, President, Islamabad missioner Islamabad to various community in the federal capi - that were the key stakeholders tion issued here Monday, in IHC building attack case. Chamber of Commerce & In- markets of the federal capital, it tal should be allowed to contin - in such decisions. He said that she has relinquished the A division bench compris- dustry (ICCI) said that to avoid was observed that the majority ue businesses till Sehri during Pakistan is estimated to have charge of the post secre- ing Justice Aamer Farooq rush, the Saudi government has of the business community and the last week of Ramadan. already suffered an economic tary (BS-18/OPS), Legal and Justice Mohsin Akhter allowed business activities for the customers were following ICCI President said that the loss of Rs.2.5 trillion due to HR, FBR head quarter, Is- Kiyani heard the case chal- 24 hours with strong enforce- SOPs, due to which the trend business community of the en- coronavirus and emphasized lamabad. She assumed the lenging the decision of An- ment of SOPs and same policy of Covid-19 cases in Islamabad tire country had been demand- that the government should lift charge of the post. ti-Terrorism Court (ATC) re- should be adopted in Pakistan was on the decline. Therefore, ing the government to lift re - all restrictions on businesses af- FBR also notify that HiraNa- jecting the request for more to save businesses and the econ - this situation demanded that strictions and extend business ter May 16 as keeping these re - zir, (IRS/BS-19 on acting physical remand. omy from further losses. the government should have re- hours as they have already suf - strictions for longer duration or charge basis) has appointed During hearing, State Coun- He further called upon the gov - laxed restrictions on businesses that as the Covid-19 situation fered huge losses due to the imposing further lockdown after as Secretary, International sel Danial Hassan adopted ernment to avoid any more lock - in the federal capital during the in Islamabad was much better previous lockdowns. Eid would have devastating im- taxes Operation (BS-19 on the stance that a witness down after May 16, 2021 as the last week of Ramadan. as compared to many other However, it was unfortunate pact on the businesses and the regular basis) FBR head- had told that the two law- business community would not Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan said cities, the businesses of Is - that the NCOC was making de - overall economy. quarter, Islamabad. – APP yers including TasadaqHanif and Hammad Dar had tried to snatch gun from a person- NAB apprehends nel. He prayed the court to grant physical remand for more investigation. impersonator, The court observed that the prosecution had already seeks Interpol help obtained around one-month remand of the accused and noted that it was filing this Shaheen Hanif application just now while ISLAMABAD: National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has the ATC had rejected the apprehended Aamir Hussain, a member of impersonat- request on March 22. ing gang and started investigations against him besides writing a letter to Interior ministry to cancel passport of Dubai based ringleader Khalid Solangi and sought In- Motorway terpol help for nabbing him. A NAB spokesman said in a police statement that both impersonators son and father, were involved in looting people including government officers recovers 2 by impersonating themselves as NAB chairman and Di- rector General of NAB Karachi. stolen vehicles According to spokesman during investigations the accused ISLAMABAD: The Motor- Aamir Hussain has revealed startling disclosures and bu- way Police Monday recov- reau has decided to proceed further into the investigations ered two stolen vehicles and in light of these revelations. NAB Karachi has also pre- arrested a carlifter allegedly pared a list of the victims of impersonator Aamir Hussain involved in two different in- which includes people as well as government officers. The cidents. According to the de- statements of the affectees will also be recorded. Khalid tails, upon receiving reports Solangi, the father of Aamir Hussain used to blackmail vari- that a Corolla car model 2015 ous persons and government officers from Dubai by posing bearing registration number himself as Chairman NAB and DG, NAB Karachi. While his LEA 3802 was stolen from son Aamir Hussain collected money from the victims. Lahore, the Motorway police It merits mentioning here that the NAB Karachi on No- started vigilance. When the ISLAMABAD: UK-Pakistan Business Council Delegation had a meeting with Hon'ble Mr. Shafqat Mahmood vember 27, 2020 had informed people and government police tried to stop a suspect- Federal Minister for Education at his office. – DNA servants through chief secretary Sindh about the illegal ed car at KalarKahar, its driv- activities of Dubai based criminal gang.Through a media er attempted to drove it away. NTC, campaign, the people as well as government officers were The police intercepted the advised not to bribe these gangsters as NAB, a law abid- car after chasing it and arrest- 1Link sign ing institute, has nothing to do with such gangs. ed the accused Muhammad President for establishing On the directives of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Isman of age 28 years, the agreement Chairman Justice (Retd) Javed Iqbal, NAB intelligence wing resident of Talagang. in last three years has arrested 10 impersonating gangs In another incident, the who were involved in looting people by using the name of Motorway police found and telemedicine clinics DNA NAB or posing themselves as NAB officers.Legal proceed- ings were also continuing against these fraudsters. NAB took into custody an un- the population living in re- of telehealth in Pakistan. breaks of the epidemics. ISLAMABAD: National Tel- claimed Land Cruiser bear- Khayam Abbasi mote areas of Pakistan. The ministry informed that He stated that the govern- once again informed people that the NAB officers were not ecommunication Corpora- authorized to summon any accused by telephone. Instead ing registration number UV The president was chairing it provided free online con- ment was committed to tion (NTC) has signed an 808 parked near Sangjani at ISLAMABAD: President Dr. a meeting on telehealth sultation across Pakistan un- transform the healthcare the accused required in personal appearance in connecting agreement with the 1Link, a with a case were being summoned in writing. M-1 which was reportedly, Arif Alvi on Monday empha- here at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. der the Sehat Express Por- delivery sector of the entire consortium of major banks, stolen from Islamabad and sized the need for establish- The meeting was attended tal, which provided medical country and initiate meas- to provide online payment handed it over to Taxila ing primary healthcare tele- by Special Assistant to the advice to the people during ures to provide free-of-cost facility to its subscribers police for further legal pro- medicine clinics to provide Prime Minister on Nation- the COVID-19 pandemic. medical advice to the peo- especially during the COV- Bar presidents to ceeding. – APP free advice to the people al Health Services, Regu- President Alvi underscored ple under the telehealth ID-19 pandemic, in line with and improve the quality of lations and Coordination the need to strengthen the programme. the vision of Prime Minister DPO awarded healthcare in the country. (NHSRC) Dr. Faisal Sultan, capacity of health sector at The president emphasized Imran Khan. record statement He said there was a need Director General Health Dr. the national level with the the need for amalgamating This online payment facility certificates, to invest in telemedicine Rana Muhammad Safdar help of medical profession- all platforms working for is available for more than 30 through enhanced infra- and other senior govern- als in the fields of public telehealth in the country so banks using online payment in IHC attack case structure, technology and cash prizes ment officials. The Ministry health and artificial intel- as to provide medical relief receipt setup throughout cord the statements of human resource to provide of NHSRC gave a presenta- ligence to analyze various to the people in a more effi- Pakistan, the National Tele- DNA presidents of IHCBA, IBC equitable health facilities to to police tion about the importance data sets and predict out- cient and effective manner. communication Corporation and District Bar Association said in a news release. ISLAMABAD: The Islam- (DBA) in the bail cases be- Faisal Munir "In the available facility, abad High Court (IHC) on sides reserving the verdict. Air quality remains ideal, healthy multiple options such as Monday instructed the po- The court observed that ATTOCK: District Police Of- Internet Banking, ATM, lice to record the statements the office bearer of bars hazardous ambient air pollutant caus- cube and 80 micrograms per meter ficer Syed Khalid Hamdani Mobile banking and Over- of presidents of bar asso- were present on the oc- taff eport ing chronic respiratory diseases and cube respectively. in a ceremony awarded com- S R the Counter are available,” ciations in bail petitions of casion and trying to stop premature deaths was recorded lower However, the air quality data of April mendation certificates and it added. three accused lawyers in IHC the protesters. The court ISLAMABAD: The air quality in the than permissible limits. The PM2.5 2020 revealed that average PM2.5 was cash prizes to those police The corporation said its building vandalizing case. A directed the police to re- federal capital was recorded healthy was not only below National Environ- recorded 17.67 micrograms per cubic personnel and locals who subscribers could also pay division bench comprising cord their statements. throughout the outgoing month of April mental Quality Standards (NEQS) of meter whereas sulphur dioxide was collectively foiled a dacoity their bills through Easy Justice Aamer Farooq and SSP Operations Islamabad as air pollutant ratio was recorded be- 35 micrograms per cubic meter rath- recorded 13.29 micrograms per meter attempt in PindSultaniarea Paisa and Jazz Cash appli- Justice Mohsin Akhter Ki- Attaur Rehman produced low safer limits. The air pollution was er World Health Organization (WHO) cube and nitrogen dioxide was 10.13 and arrested three dacoits. cations through 1Link. For yani heard the post arrest the report of JIT and said also less than April, 2020 during which standard of 20 micrograms per cubic against the NEQS of 120 micrograms The dacoits were involved guidance of the National bail cases of three lawyers that several others lawyers’ lock down was imposed across the Cap- meter. The air quality data revealed per meter cube and 80 micrograms per in theft, dacoities and other Telecommunication Corpo- including secretary Islama- names had come on surface ital amid Covid-19 pandemic rise. that average PM2.5 was recorded meter cube respectively. An EPA official crimes in PindSultani and ration subscribers, neces- bad High Court Bar Associ- during the investigation pro- A monthly data projection of air 16.32 micrograms per cubic meter told media that there was drop in air pol- surrounding areas in the sary steps for online pay- ation TasadaqHanif, member cess. Justice Mohsin Akhter quality, for April, 2021, released by whereas sulphur dioxide was recorded lutant ratio which was not only due to jurisdiction of Basal Police ment have also been posted Islamabad Bar Council (IBC) Kiyani asked the police Pakistan Environmental Protection 21.21 micrograms per meter cube and intermittent rain spells during April as Station. Those rewarded in- on National Telecommuni- NaseerKiyani and Hammad officer to clear the lawyers Agency (Pak-EPA), the particulate nitrogen dioxide was 15.5 against the this time offices, transport construction clude Sub Inspector Allah Yar, cation Corporation website Dar Advocate. who had no connection with of 2.5 (PM2.5) microns which was a NEQS of 120 micrograms per meter and Industrial sector were opened. ASI EhsanUllah, ASI Zahid, www.ntc.net.pk. The court directed to re- the incident. Consatbleaftab, Constable Yasir, Constable Bilal, Head Constable Shaheen, Consta- ble GulHaider and Constable Tariq, Nawazish Khan, Haji Nasir, Malik Naveed, Zareef Partnership signed to enhance Shah and Waqar. Screening Pakistan-China cultural ties workers can Video Content Competition on Pakistan China relationship will be warn for launched to promote culture and trade between the two countries Speaking at the occasion Di- ing. The partnership will international partnerships. future viruses Shujaat Hamza rector General Institute of also highlight China and This partnership is being Strategic Studies Ambassador Pakistan’s cooperation and signed to build better un- ISLAMABAD: Covid-19 in- ISLAMABAD: Diplomatic Azaz Ahmad Chaudhary said implication for the region derstanding among the fections in healthcare work- relation between Peoples Re- “The ISSI provides a plat- and the world .This partner- masses and the business ers during the first wave of public of China and Pakistan form for quality policy input ship will help building peo- community in both China the pandemic provided an ac- was established on 21 May through informed research, ple to people relationships, and Pakistan. The partner- curate sample of the general 1951. Although people to peo- objective analysis and dia- Government relations in de- ship will also facilitate con- population, said researchers ple understanding between logue on regional and interna- fense cooperation and soci- tent development in Manda- suggesting that data from two countries is exemplary tional issues affecting peace, etal collaboration for build- rin, Urdu and English. healthcare workers could be hoverer cultural understand- security and development of ing knowledge ecosystems More than 60,000 Chinese used to estimate the sever- ing between businesses and Pakistan. We are confident Amir Jahangir Chief Ex- expats live in Pakistan and ity of future viruses more people can be improved. For that this partnership will ecutive Officer RINSTRA more than 20,000 Pakistani quickly. Healthcare workers the purpose China Pakistan create knowledge resources Technologies said “In this students are studding in in Ireland made up 31.6 per Study Center (CPSC) at In- among the youth and the busi- new era of information en- Chinese universities.Paki- cent of all test-confirmed stitute of Strategic Studies ness community alike while gagement it is important stan exports to China stood infections while only rep- Islamabad (ISSI) and RIN- providing strategic direction to build the vocabulary and at US$1.87 Billion during resenting three per cent of STRA signed memorandum for policy makers”. understanding around the 2020. Multibillion dollar the population. However, re- of understanding. The mem- On the signing of the MOU partnerships that both Paki- China Pakistan Economic searchers from RCSI Univer- orandum of understanding Dr. Talat Shabir Director stan and China are striving Corridor has strengthened sity of Medicine and Health was signed by Dr. Talat Shabir ISSI said “The memoran- for. This cooperation be- China Pakistan partnership Sciences in collaboration Director China Pakistan Study dum of understanding un- tween CPSC and RINSTRA yet there is much more work with IBM Research, found Centre and Amir Jahangir derlines to build cultural, will set new benchmark for required in People to Peo- that the healthcare worker Chief Executive Officer RIN- business and economic co- understanding around the ple Relationship Building in data closely. – APP STRA Technologies. operation and understand- future challenges for our Knowledge Development. IslamabadPOST 04 TWIN CITIES Tuesday, May 04, 2021 Youm-e-Ali Briefs (AS) observed MoIT, Huawei to provide ICT with religious 2,168 fervor e-challan issued by trainings to govt. officials Faisal Munir ATTOCK: The Youm-e -Ali safe city (AS) was observed on Mon- Huawei Pakistan CEO Mr. Mark Meng added that Huawei will collaborate day with religious fervour with the public and private sectors in Pakistan to create an ICT ecosystem and reverence in the city Staff Report to pay tribute to the Fourth that drives digital transformation forward Caliph of Islam on the day of ISLAMABAD: As many as the Vice President of Hua- nology Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman contributed to Pakistan’s wei will collaborate with the grams for the government his martyrdom. 2,168 e-challan were issued ubair hmad wei Middle East Region, attended the meeting via Information and Commu- public and private sectors employees to train them In this regards the Imam to the motorists over various Z A Mr. Space lee, who called video link. nication Technology (ICT) in Pakistan to create an ICT in fields like Artificial In- Bargah Punjatani Attock traffic violations in Islamabad ISLAMABAD: President Dr. on him, at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Mr. Space lee gave a pres- talent by providing 10,000 ecosystem that drives digi- telligence, Cloud Technol- City held Majlis-e Aza under through safe city cameras dur- Arif Alvi has called for pro- today. entation about the role of certifications till 2020. Mr. tal transformation forward. ogy, Big Data, Block chain, the supervision of Secretary ing the last one month. moting Knowledge-Econ- The meeting was attended his organization in the pro- Space lee informed that Huawei will continue to sup- Neural Networks and Com- General Asad Abbas of An- The e-tickets were delivered omy and digitalization of by Secretary M/o Science motion of IT Skills in Paki- the M/o IT&T in collabo- port the government’s Digi- munication Technologies. juman Bazm-e- Imam Mehdi to the violators at their home Government organizations and Technology, Dr. Ar- stan. ration with Huawei would tal Pakistan vision with the He urged the M/o IT&T to (a.s) and Caretaker presi- address, available with excise to enhance the efficiency of shad Mahmood, Secretary He informed that Huawei train over 1,000 Govern- latest technologies, unlock- come up with more innova- dent Syed Ather Zaidi of An- and taxation office, said IGP work and service delivery. M/o Federal Education and had contributed to Paki- ment employees to achieve ing new avenues of growth tive ideas and enhance col- juman Janisaran-e- Hussein Islamabad Qazi Jameel-ur-Re- He said that Pakistan was Professional Training, Mrs. stan’s economy by provid- Digital Pakistan initiative. and innovation. laboration with Huawei for (a.s). hman on Monday. blessed with immense tal- Farah Hamid, Additional ing 10,000 jobs and paying He apprised the meeting President Arif Alvi appre- early realization of Digital They also met the Assistant Talking to media, he said a ent and resources and the Secretary M/o IT&T, Mr. $120 Million in taxes to the that government officials ciated the initiative of Hua- Pakistan Initiative. After Commissioner Zaib-un Nisa, copy of challan was being government was making se- Ali Sher Mehsud, Huawei Government from 2018 to would be registered and en- wei to provide training and the meeting, Mr. Space lee ASP Jawad Ishaque and attached with master file of rious efforts to channelize Pakistan CEO Mr. Mark 2020, besides spending $6 rolled for training programs ICT skills to the people of presented one award to the SHO City Mazhar ul Islam the vehicle at excise office this potential in the right Meng, other senior officials Million to support disas- which would be conducted Pakistan. He asked the M/o President for his efforts who requested to make sure over non-payment of penalty direction. The President of the Government while ter-relief efforts of the gov- through Huawei Experts. IT&T to develop an action made towards the develop- all the SOPs will be followed amount within the given time. stated this while talking to a the Chairman PM’s Task ernment. He highlighted Huawei Pakistan CEO Mr. plan and set timelines for ment of the ICT Sector in as per government direc- The car owners who were delegation of Huawei, led by Force on Science and Tech- that his organization had Mark Meng added that Hua- launching training pro- Pakistan. tive. subjected to submit fine could Assistant Commissioner not sell or transfer their vehi- Attock asked not to take cle until clearance of dues, he CDA starts procession outside of Imam said. fixing faulty Bargah due to COVID The fine amount could be spread on which the Imam paid through JS Bank, Jazz machinery bargah administration as- cash, mobile accounts and sured to follow all the proto- other digital means. ISLAMABAD: According the cols. Majlis-e-Aza was held He claimed that there was a directives of the Chairman inside the Imam Bargah significant decline observed Capital Development Author- Punjatani in which local in the number of road mis- ity (CDA), the MPO Depart- religious speaker Hafiz Za- haps and traffic violations ment using its resources, over- far addressed the majlis to in the federal capital after hauled 2 bulldozer machines speak about Hazrat Ali (a.s) introducing this new challan D65EX16 and made them and mentioned that his life- system. usable. And has saved the com- style is fatal for oppression The move was aimed at get- pany Rs. 148 million from this. and brutality and all difficul- ting residents of the capital After that, more machineries ties could be overcome by to abide by traffic laws even in will be repaired which will be- making his saying a beacon the absence of wardens with come an asset of CDA. of light rather all type of the use of modern technolo- According to the details, fear,harassment and terror- gy, he maintained. following the instructions ism could also be rooted out of the Chairman CDA, the by doing so. MPO Department of CDA PNCA has overhauled two bull- dozers D65EX16 machines 5 members announces which were badly damaged results of ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Mr. Shaukat Tarin, Chairing the meeting of the National Price by CDA and made them usa- of criminal talent hunt Monitoring Committee (NPMC) at the Finance Division to review the price trend of essential items. – DNA ble again. – DNA gang busted contest AIOU to dispatch matric DNA ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Na- Islamabad schools to reduce tional Council of the Arts books before Eid ul Fitr ISLAMABAD: Islamabad (PNCA) on Monday an- police has busted five mem- mailing of books for inter- bers of criminal gangs and nounced the results of week- DNA mediate programs will be April, May fees by 20% recovered snatched and 21 of PNCA talent hunt music initiated this week as the aca- edition. stolen motorbikes, mobiles ISLAMABAD: Allama Iqbal demic calendar for both these It was stated that the orders will be imposed on phones, cash, weapon and The first Jury award won by Open University (AIOU) programs spans from May 1, Inzamam Ali, second Jury other looted items. is making all-out efforts to 2021 to August 31, 2021. schools charging fees of more than Rs 8,000 According to a news release award by Tayaba Kazmi and complete the process of dis- In accordance with the di- third award won by Ismail The decision was taken to across the country were Classes were taken online on Monday, the capital po- patching books before Eid ul rectives of Prof Dr. Zia Ul- lice has renewed efforts Tahim. Fitr to the students enrolled Qayyum, university adminis- Khayam Abbasi provide relief to parents as closed in late February till December 24, 2020, Director General PNCA Dr. the third wave of the novel 2020 after coronavirus and winter vacations start- against anti-social elements in matriculation program of- tration is making efforts to following directions of In- Fouzia Saeed has announced fered in spring 2021 semes- ISLAMABAD: The district coronavirus continues to cases began to rise. ed from December 25, dispatch books to all students spector General of Police Is- the results in online video on ter. administration of Islama- grapple the country. Schools They were reopened in 2020, and were supposed before the commencement of lamabad Qazi Jameel-ur-Re- PNCA official page. The university has, already, bad has decided to reduce in the capital have been phases starting September to last till January 10. The academic activities as sched- hman. As per details SP She said PNCA would also dispatched almost 50, 000 fees for the months of closed since mid-March. 15, 2020. government said it would uled in academic calendar. (Saddar-Zone) Capt. (retd) provide opportunities to the books parcels and is striving April and May at private Education institutions On November 23, 2020, hold a meeting to review However, university has also Hamza Hamayun constitut- winners and special nominees hard to dispatch the rest be- uploaded PDF books of these schools across the capital across the country were after the second wave of the decision to reopen ed teams of Margalla and in its upcoming concerts and fore the commencement of programs on the university by 20%. closed in April after coro- coronavirus cases hit the schools on January 4. Golra police stations that music functions. Eid ul Fitr holidays by em- website (www.aiou.edu.pk) In a notification issued on navirus metrics rose. Cam- country, the government The NCOC then decided arrested three members of PNCA has started this pro- ploying workers in double to facilitate the students to Monday, it was stated that bridge, Intermediate and announced that all educa- that schools would reopen bike lifters’ gang identified gramme for the promotion shifts to achieve this end. prepare their assignments in the orders will be imposed Matriculation exams have tional institutions would in phases with classes’ of classical and semi-clas- According to the Director, time and plan their academic on schools charging fees of been cancelled as well. close again from Novem- nine to 12 being the first as Shakar Ali, Usman khan sical to folk, modern tunes Admissions, the process of activities accordingly. more than Rs 8,000. All educational institutions ber 26, 2020. to reopen on January 18. and Aryan Khan. and pop singing among the The authorities recovered younger generation and to five stolen motorbikes from groom their hidden talent at their possession. the National Art Gallery. Re- ‘Subsidized Ramzan Similarly, SP (Industrial-Ar- Man held for involvement in ea) Fida Hussain Satti con- nowned professionals’ art- ists in different specialized bazar providing relief stituted a team under the music fields were taking au- supervision of ASP Abdul ditions of registered partici- sexual assault cases to masses’ Haleem including SHO In- pants at PNCA. – APP dustrial –Area Iqbal Gujjar He also admitted to abuse a policewomen in 2018 and other officials. while three other females also identified him Staff Report The team arrested two Attock members of a gang involved person put his hand on her vestigation, he confessed valuables including cash ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information and in snatching mobile phones crossed tally Shaheen Hanif mouth and forcibly took her to be involved in 20 cases worth more than Rs. 28 mil- Broadcasting, Farrukh Habib on Monday said that Paki- and other valuables at gun in nearby forest area and of sexually abusing females lion was recovered from the stan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI), government is giving subsidy point from the citizens. of 2 thousand ISLAMABAD: Islamabad took her mobile. after finding them alone. gangsters. to “Ramzan bazars” for providing relief to the masses. The gangsters were iden- Police on Monday have ar- Following this application, He also admitted to abuse He said several other crimi- Subsidy amounting Rs. 5 billion given to Ramzan Bazars to tified as Maaz Abbasi and Covid cases rested a person allegedly the SP (Rural) said that a a policewomen in 2018 nal gangs have been traced support the general public so they can purchase essential Moeez Abbasi and recov- involved in more than 20 team was constituted under while three other females and efforts are underway to commodities at affordable rates, he said while talking to a ered two snatched motor- cases of sexual abuse and his supervision including also identified him. Police ensure arrest of its abscond- private television channel. bike, cash, mobile phone aisal unir F M snatching valuables from SDPO Koral Rukhsar Me- have also recovered mo- ing members. Commenting on high petroleum prices in the region, he and weapons used in crime. female victims. hdi, SHO Koral Shaukat bile phones from him and Moreover, he said that in- said the government has reduced the levies on petrole- During the preliminary in- ATTOCK: Attock district wit- Addressing a press confer- Abbassi, SHO Nilore Sattar obtained five-day physical vestigation on 63 property vestigation, they confessed nessed another spike in novel um prices to extend relief to consumers of the petroleum ence, Superintendent of Baig and others. remand from the concerned related cases had been com- their involvement in several coronavirus Covid-19 cases as products. Replying to a question about sugar mafia, he Police (Rural) Rana Abdul This team investigated the court for further investiga- pleted and their challans incidents of crime in various the district crossed the tally said the incumbent government has played unprecedent- Wahab said that a female case by using technical tion. were submitted in relevant areas of twin cities of Rawal- of two thousand patients on ed role for controlling sugar mafia. Farrukh Habib said lodged a complaint at Koral means and succeeded to ar- Talking to media-men, SP courts. SP (Rural) said that pindi and Islamabad. Monday while one more lose that all out efforts are being made to regulate the sugar police station on April 8, rest the culprit identified as (Rural) Rana Abdul Wahab every possible effort would Cases have been registered battle to Covid-19 during the mills operating in the country. He further stated that it 2021 that she was on way Zaheer Ahmed resident of said that 43 criminal gangs be made to ensure protec- against the accused and fur- last 24 hours. Health officials was also the responsibility of the provincial governments to her home from Fazaia Bagh, Azad Kashmir. have been busted during tion to the lives and proper- ther investigation is under- said on Monday. to monitor markets and price control lists. stop when an unidentified During the preliminary in- the last three months while ty of the citizens. way, it added. District focal person for Cov- id-19 Kashif Hussain has in- formed that 18 more persons IESCO were tested positive in the district raising the number issues power of Covid-19 positive patients Sania meets ‘Ehsaas Rehribaans’ to gain insights to 2006. suspension He informed that 37 years She obtained their viewpoints on the multi stakeholder initiative and old Aqeel Shah- a resident programme of Mirza village succumbed explored possibilities to improve the street vending ecosystem to the virus and was buried nia around them and lauded Ehsaas under Covid-19 burial SoPs. Shujaat Hamza saying that this was the first time DNA While giving details about that the government has provided the newly affected persons, ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant vending license and improved carts ISLAMABAD: Islamabad he said that as many as 13 to the Prime Minister on Poverty to them. Now, they can earn their Electric Supply Company patients belong to Attock Alleviation and Social Protection respectable living and do not have (IESCO) on Monday issued city while five to Hazro. He Dr. Sania Nishtar Monday visited to run away when municipal author- a power suspension pro- informed that the number of the ‘Ehsaas Rehribaan’ site in G-11 ities visit the area. gramme for Tuesday for var- active patients in the district Markaz of the federal capital to in- ‘Ehsaas Rehribaan’ initiative is an ious areas of its region due is 181 and in which 178 were teract with street vendors who have outcome of months of work, con- to necessary maintenance home isolated while three been provided with improved carts sultations, and engagement among and routine development others were hospitalized. and training to streamline local various government stakeholders work. About the active patients, he vending activities. to crystallize the contours of the According to IESCO said that as many as 108 be- The collaborative street vending interventions, meant to improve Spokesman, the power long to Attock city, 34 to Haz- initiative aims to create an enabling street vending ecosystem in Islama- supply of different feeders ro, 15 to Jand, 13 to Pindig- environment for street vendors in bad. Currently, Ehsaas has provided and grid stations would heab,8 to Hassanabdal while Islamabad. prototype vending carts to 25 street remain suspended for the 4 to Fatehjang. He informed During the visit, Dr. Sania walked vendors in the first phase. period from 07:00 AM to that 11 suspected patients around the vending carts and met According to findings of a street 10:00 AM, Mandra-2, Hamid are also admitted in district with local street vendors. vendor survey, there are overall Jhangi, Old Jhangi, LTC, headquarters hospital and all She obtained their viewpoints on 85-street vendors operating in G-11, Ward No. 8, Scheme-1 Feed- were in critical condition. the multi stakeholder initiative and Markaz. The placement of remain- ers From 06:00 AM to 10:00 He informed that the num- explored possibilities to improve ing 60-street vendors in G-11 with AM, Angoori, Treat, Gulf ber of suspected patients in the street vending ecosystem. improved carts will be up scaled City, Nogzi, Fazia 1&2 , the district rose to 32,804 Under the umbrella of Ehsaas, mod- PM’s vision to create an enabling Poverty Alleviation and Social Safe- ‘Ehsaas Rehribaan’ is a first pilot later this year. Top City, I-14/3, Sarai Alam- while screening of as many el vending carts with ecofriendly environment for street vendors, ty Division (PASSD), Capital Devel- project of its kind in the country Capital Development Authority gir, Al-Rizwan Mill, Al-Qadir as 36,056 persons was car- structures have recently been hand- ‘Ehsaas Rehribaan’ has embarked opment Authority (CDA), Metropol- wherein street vendors are being (CDA) Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed Mill, Chakral, Sarcal, Sar- ried out across the district ed over to a select number of exist- upon furthering local vending to im- itan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), actively engaged with multiple gov- elaborated on the directives from pak Feeders, From 08:00 in which 30,748were tested ing vendors in G-11. prove overall ecology. ICT Administration and Pakistan ernment stakeholders to contribute Prime Minister Imran Khan for ad- AM to 02:00 PM Dhudial negative. Speaking to media during her visit, The model vending initiative is an Institute of Development Econom- effectively to local economy. Street dressing the plight of street vendors Rural feeder and surround- Dr. Sania stated, “In line with the outcome of collaboration between ics (PIDE).” vendors were happy to see Dr. Sa- through a sustainable solution. ing areas. Tuesday, May 04, 2021 05 IslamabadPOST Pakistan’s First And Only Diplomatic Daily Electoral reforms Editor-in-Chief: Ansar Mahmood Bhatti Minimum wage Deputy Editor: Abid Raza HE past few elections in the last years have generat- CCORDING to recent announcements, the min- ed controversy and allegations of foul play. Violence ABC CERTIFIED imum wage for workers in Punjab has been in- T has often broken out at the site of the polling, and creased to Rs20,000 from the pre-existing Vol: 01 Issue: 343 A everything, from kidnapping poll workers to fake votes and Rs18,000. According to the Chief Minister of Punjab gerrymandering has been accused by parties whom the Email: [email protected] Usman Buzdar, providing relief to the workforce should election results did not favour. How true these accusations Phone: 051-2266165 / 051-2261960 be made a priority, especially considering the tough eco- of rigging are is a different matter but the fact that a peace- Off: Awan Plaza, Block 18-A, G-8 Markaz Islamabad ful election—the process of which appeases everybody and nomic circumstances that our country is in. However, the leaves no room for doubt in its credibility—is a rarity in Paki- question of whether this two-thousand-rupee increase is stan indicates the need for serious electoral reform. enough and if the quality of the life of the workers will This is why the government’s initiative to bring about elec- improve through this marginal increase still remains. toral reforms is one that should have all parties on board. Outside of the increase in salary rates, the government The Prime Minister has brought the topic up again after the is working towards the provision of free or subsidised NA-249 election, which despite having a low voter turn-out, medical services, education and property for the work- prompted allegations of irregularity from all parties, except ers and their families. Keeping in mind that all this the victor PPP. He referenced the US elections with their work is done for the purpose of ensuring that sustain - digital voter technology and invited the opposition to coop- ing a decent quality of life is within the financial grasps erate with the government on deciding from EVM models to of the people, a mere ten percent increase is unlikely to improve the credibility of future elections. offer immediate relief. Some political parties like PML-N have responded by asking the The pandemic has already caused production to decline government to look into their party’s conduct during the Daska due to various lockdowns and for exports to remain lim- by-elections, where PTI workers were accused of misconduct. Yet this is not a productive response. Every party, from PML-N, ited due to travel restrictions. Even more troublesome is to PPP, to PTI has been accused of foul play, and every party, the rate at which inflation continues to increase. Judging from independent candidates, to the mainstream political par- by the fact that this minimum wage pays for entire house- ties, to even the previously banned group, TLP, have accused holds, one can deduce that it is simply not enough for daily the provincial government of the region of interference in an expenses let alone securing long-term financial stability. election. This is a rare issue where all parties have a shared Despite increases in monthly pays, if the purchasing pow- grievance—and is a good opportunity for bipartisanship. The er of the workers remains unchanged or is reduced, then premier has proposed electronic voting machines and other the entire concept of minimum wage is contradicted. solutions allowing for more tech-based scrutiny of the after-bal- The government’s aim is to provide protection to the lot process. If the opposition has a difference of opinion on workers against the effects of a struggling economy. If methodology to make elections more transparent, then it ought policies do not facilitate this aim, then they have to be to participate enthusiastically in any talks held on the issue of changed. Accordingly, it is vital that this increase in reforms. Otherwise, this debacle of no party ever accepting the minimum wage is reconsidered and a more generous results of an election will continue to be a problem. value is offered to the workforce. Pakistan and ASEAN Partner (SDP) in 1997. The ASEAN-Pakistan SDP covers (MOU) on defense cooperation with Indonesia. It offers look at Islamabad’s full membership in ASEAN favorably Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan the sectors of trade, industry, investment, environment, Indonesia to take part in joint-manufacturing between Pa- are the stumbling blocks in further strengthening bilateral science and technology, drugs and narcotics, tourism and kistan and China of the JF-17 fighter jet. The exchange of relations between Pakistan and ASEAN. human resource development. military personnel for training between Indonesia and Paki- Pakistan should now consider to expanding economic en- There are several other areas for cooperation between Pa- stan also increased. gagement with ASEAN. ASEAN trade volume with China kistan and ASEAN countries such as, culture, education, During 2018, the two sides agreed to strengthen, expand stands at USD $644 billion despite tensions in the SCS. Sim- transport, energy, communications, intelligence and in- and diversify military cooperation. Moreover the two coun- ilarly, while Australia signed a defense deals with India, its formation sharing, information technology and agricultur- tries have a standing preferential trade agreement, the In- trade surplus with China increased by 174 percent in March al research. Pakistan has proposed collaboration in three donesia: Pakistan Preferential Trade Agreement. 2020. Just as such countries have found ways to engage with additional categoriesinformation technology, agricultural Indonesia being the strongest and largest economy in the China despite direct conflicts, Pakistan must likewise create research and transport and communication. ASEAN has great influence in ASEAN and also looks after its own way into the Southeast Asian/ASEAN markets in Pakistan desires to achieve two major objectives in its ne- evolving from regional power to becoming a major player which “innovative diplomacy” may help the country to boost gotiation with the ASEAN and its member states. Pakistan in global affairs. Pakistan needs to support Indonesia in its role as a player in regional issues, for instance, Pakistan should be accepted as a full dialogue partner and, also a achieving its long-aimed goals through establishing connec- could help Japan address its Hormuz Dilemma concerns over member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). tions and in return expect to earn dividends. the secure passing of energy supplies through the strait and Expansion of trade and investment between Pakistan and On the 53rd ASEAN Day Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood assist Tokyo’s mediation efforts in the Middle East, leverag- ASEAN countries is eminently feasible and will be mutually Qureshi affirmed further strengthening ties with ASEAN ing it to advance ties with Japan. Likewise, enhancing engage- rewarding. There is considerable degree of complementari- nations in line with Pakistan’s Vision “East Asia Policy”. ment with Southeast Asia will expand Islamabad’s economic ty between the two sides. Undoubtedly, the incumbent government has initiated con- footprint and political clout in the region, ultimately adding to Pak attempt to diversify Pakistan’s attempt to diversify its industrial base could find crete steps to speed-up bilateral economic cooperation with its regional connectivity pursuits. openings in ASEAN markets, and it could also benefit from South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and Malaysia and expressed It is suggested that trade volumes between Pakistan and its industrial base could the experience of some ASEAN countries, like Singapore, interest in upgrading Pakistan’s sectoral partnership with ASEAN may be increased through trade via the Chinese Malaysia and Thailand, which have been quite successful ASEAN to full partnership. It hopes that further expan- ports which provides shortest trade route resulting in less find openings in ASEAN in achieving economic progress through industrialization. sion of economic and strategic ties with ASEAN may help transit time and lower costs. China has granted Nepal ac- Some ASEAN countries like Indonesia have valuable expe- Pakistan to seek more and more FDIs, boost employment cess to some of its ports; a similar agreement could be markets, and it could also rience in tourism, Islamic banking, and insurance, food-pro- opportunities, improve the balance of trade by amplifying drafted with Pakistan. cessing and fruit-canning which could be of benefit to fruit exports, and boost Pakistan’s economic clout and region- Pakistan’s Gwadar Port has enhanced China’s access to its benefit from the experience producers of Pakistan. ASEAN countries may be keen to re- al connectivity. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor west, Northwestern Chinese Ports, for example Qingdao locate some of their labour intensive industries to Pakistan. (CPEC) has opened up avenues of regional integration and port, can supplement Pakistan’s access to Northeast Asia. of some ASEAN countries, Tourism is another large untapped area of development. economic growth for Pakistan. CPEC may help boost Pa- For instance, while it can take over twenty days at sea for Pakistan has a lot more to offer than many Southeast Asian kistan’s exports to ASEAN and invite investments if it is Pakistani exports to reach Port Busan in South Korea from like Singapore, Malaysia and countries, including Malaysia and Singapore which have yet branded properly by providing numerous befitting proposi- Karachi, it could take thirteen days if trade is done via land. been able to develop a thriving and profitable tourist trade. tions to all the members of the ASEAN. The Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Pakistan under flag- Thailand, which have been The present low level of trade between Pakistan and ASE- Malaysia is one of Pakistan’s top trading partners and the ship of CPEC is important for inviting foreign investments. quite successful in achieving AN can be expanded if the private sector has access to in- volume of trade between the two countries has been around Pakistan has offered SEZ’s tax exemptions and other spe- formation about the opportunities in trade and investment USD $2 billion. Pakistan’s export potential under Pakistan cial incentives to Singapore. The Singaporean companies economic progress and is assisted in making contacts with potential partners. and Malaysia’s 2008 FTA alone is more than double this at have shown interest in investing in CPEC projects. Pakistan Pakistan is soon completing a deep water port at Gwadar, USD $4.6 billion. There is an urgent need rectify the trade has proposed to establish an exclusive economic. through industrialization which can become a gateway to the land-locked Central balance favoring the ASEAN partners by increasing the People-to-people contacts such as academic exchanges and Asian states. Pakistan can become a connecting link be- export flow to countries that ease the import barriers like cultural programs should be promoted between Pakistan OST recent “paradigm shift” in national/for - tween South, West and Central Asian states. It may be fur- Indonesia, which removed 30 percent of its import duties and ASEAN countries. People-to-people interaction, fre- eign policy of Pakistan from geopolitics to ther used for their exports to ASEAN in the days to come. on 20 of Pakistan’s exports last year. quent dialogue and discussions are required so that each is M “geo-economy” has now opened new window Indonesia and Malaysia are the two strongest economies Pakistan may also exploit the comparative advantage its ex- able to understand each other better. Currently, the climate of opportunities to establish bilateral or trilateral ties of the ASEAN. Pakistan has close relationship with both ports, commonly cotton and textiles, enjoyed in markets in is conducive for foreign investment and joint ventures in in diverse sectors of economy, trade & commerce, the countries. Indonesia is the strongest country in ASE- Brunei, Cambodia, Thailand, and Australia. There is also Pakistan. There is a need to great trade exchange and pro- joint venture, science & technology, Artificial Intelli - AN with reference to GDP and GNP propositions. It is the demand for Pakistani arms exports in ASEAN, evidenced by motion of investments between Pakistan and ASEAN. gence (AI), digitalization, ICT, infrastructural develop - most populous Muslim country with much commonalty to Malaysia’s interest in buying JF-17 Thunder fighter jets and Being prominent regional expert I submit concrete efforts ment, banking & finance, FDIs, education and culture Pakistan in terms of culture, and values. Both countries are anti-tank missiles from Pakistan. should be initiated to establish a joint Pak-ASEAN Business with regional countries mainly, Association of South - members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan is an important exporter of seafood and raw mate- Forum for the further strengthening of relationships in di- east Asian Nations (ASEAN) with which it has normal, SCO and ECO which may be used for the further strength- rials to Thailand, the two countries have been negotiating verse sectors of economy, greater socio-economic integra- friendly and progressive relations, unmarred by any ening of bilateral relations. a FTA. Further, Thai companies are seeking investment tion, food & energy cooperation, tourism, education, cul- conflict or disputes. They cooperate with one another Historically, Pakistan played important role during the Indo- avenues in the country as they recognize it as a significant ture cooperation, military cooperation and last but not least on full range of international issue. nesian Revolution. The founder of Pakistan urged Muslim trading partner. Likewise, appreciating the potential of make bridges of better social, political and economic under- ASEAN was established in 1967. It is an economic alliance soldiers serving in British army to join hands with Indone- Pakistan’s automotive market, the Malaysian automotive standing between Pakistan and ASEAN through “holistic” of 10 member states in Southeast Asia. The member states sians in their fight against the Dutch Imperial colonization. company Proton will open its first South-Asian production approach of “participatory development”. Pakistan has rich are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao, Malaysia, Myanmar, As a result, 600 Muslim soldiers left the colonial forces facility in Karachi by 2021. experience of anti-terrorism tactics/strategies which should Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. According putting their lot at stake, and allied with Indonesians. Out There are certain impediments to have stronger economic be shared with ASEAN for achieving greater regional stabil- to official statistics (2020), population of the ASEANs was of these 600 soldiers, 500 died in war. Thus historic “holy ties with the ASEAN. Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific ity and peace in the days to come. about 655 million people in 2019 which represented 8.5 connection” is there to strengthen diplomatic ties for the (FOIP) concept, shared by the United States and other re- Moreover, majority of ASEAN member countries are Mus- percent of the world population. befitting propositions of both the countries. gional allies has conflicting chemistry with China’s Belt and lims which may be a bench mark for greater socio-politico It has holistic approach for “conflict resolution” which is Critical analysis revealed that Pakistan’s relationship with Road Initiative (BRI) in the region, Japan strategic ties with integration. Moreover, artificial intelligence, cyber securi- based on consultation, consensus, and non-interference. It Indonesia was greatly developed during the time of Mr India through the Quad and moreover India’s persuasion ty, digitalization, agriculture development and last but not is a major partner of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Sukarno, first president of Indonesia and Gen. Ayub Khan. to “urge” South Korea not to invest into CPEC last year all least, tourism would be preferential areas for future cooper- (SCO) and maintains a global network of alliances, and is During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Indonesia offered to present element of strategic power politics. ation between Pakistan and ASEAN. Security matters may considered by many as a global powerhouse. Now ASEAN provide Pakistan with military help, and seized ‘Andaman Moreover, Beijing’s principal stance towards the South Chi- be further streamlined and strengthened by granting Paki- is a leading force of regional trade and security issues, in- and Nicobar Islands’ of India so as to distract it from the na Sea (SCS), littoral states in the region have faced grow- stan membership in ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). volved in numerous international affairs, and hosts diplo- Kashmir front. ing territorial disputes with China and maritime tensions – The writer is the Director: matic missions throughout the world. For the further strengthening of bilateral military coopera- and India’s “Act East” policy, considers Southeast Asian Geopolitics/Economics,Member ASEAN awarded Pakistan the status of Sectoral Dialogue tion, Pakistan has signed a Memorandum of Understanding nations as important trading partners, and further does not Board of Experts, CGSS, Islamabad Pakistan Rupee out through crisis: Rise after the fall? HE Pakistani Rupee is in the news once again In October 2020, things took a turn for the PKR when also a positive indicator for the exchange rate of PKR. Aqsa Shahid and this time for good reasons. The PKR is PKR started to appreciateagainst the dollar. The PKR Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have increased T on its way up, surprising the people with its appreciated to Rs.160.35 and stayed at the same lev- due to the inflow of foreign loans and surplus current long awaited appreciation. After being in a slump, el with slight fluctuations for the next three months. account during the fiscal year 2020-2021. The foreign with a previous all-time low of 168.4 PKR against the The value of Pakistan Rupee as on April 22, 2021 is reserves have increased by $378 million during the end USDollar in August 2020, the Pakistani Rupee is on Rs.153.4 and is expected to appreciate further looking of March 2021 after the release of the Extended Fund its way on an upsurge. An increased current account at the economic indicators facilitating the economy. Facility (EFF) by the international Monetary Fund deficit of 4% of GDP, a fall in foreign exchange re- The conditions that led to the appreciation of the (IMF). The IMF released $498.7 million under the serves from $17.4 billion to $12.1 billion and the pres- PKR are the result of improvement in some economic EFF program to the State Bank of Pakistan. As a result sure of debt payments among others were some fac- factors. There was a decline in the current account of the IMF inflows, Pakistan Foreign Reserves reached tors that contributed to the depreciation of Pakistan deficit to $50 million in February 2021 which was 39-month high level of $13.67 billion at the end of Rupee in 2018. The fall of the PKR in 2018 was one of $197 million in the corresponding month a year earli- March 2021. Additionally, the introduction of Roshan the biggest concern that raised serious questions on er. According to the data provided by the State Bank Digital Accounts (RDAs) has increased the demand the performance of the new government. The value of the current account deficit decreased to 0.2% of the for PKR as people are sending money to Pakistan in PKR against the USD in December 2017 was Rs.105 GDP which was 0.9% a year ago. As stated by the SBP, these accounts. There is a huge amount of inflow in the which kept rising and was at Rs.135 by October 2018. Pakistan Current Account was in a surplus of $881 Roshan Digital Account, the deposits in the RDA have During 2019, the PKR further depreciated to 141.39 million during the first eight month of the fiscal year crossed $1billion in only seven months. This inflow of PKR against the US dollar and by January 2020 PKR 2020/2021 which was in a deficit of $2.7 a year ear- dollar is also a positive indicator for the economy. Pakistan’s foreign stood at Rs.154.4 against the USD. lier. The surplus in the current account was attained All these factors together have contributed to the appre- During the early days of COVID, further depreciation with the help of strong growth in workers Remittanc- ciation of the PKR. The amount of inflow through these exchange reserves have of the PKR was an expected thing as most emerging es and a Sustained recovery in the exports since factors resulted in an increase supply of dollars to the economies were bound to be financially and economi- November 2020. The Remittances increased by 24.1 country, resulting in an upward pressure on PKR, en- increased due to the cally affected by the crisis. Before the crisis occurred, percent to 18.7 billion in the first eight month of the couraging its appreciation. Since Pakistan runs under PKR was being traded at Rs.154.55 against the dollar fiscal year. According to the SBP, the sturdy growth in a market-based exchange rate system which depends inflow of foreign loans in the month of February before depreciating to a new Remittances ahead of Ramadan was the main driver on the demand and supply condition in the foreign ex- low of Rs.166.5 in March 2020. This was a result of that filled the current account gap. Furthermore, as change market, the inflow of dollar is a stabilizing factor and surplus current withdrawal of investments in local bond from the lo- stated by the ministry of Commerce, Pakistan exports for the PKR. Hence, the stability of the PKR depends cal market, this cost Pakistan over $3 billion. As a re- saw an increase of 7% in the first nine months of the on the contribution of these economic factors which is account during the sult, the dollar was being traded at the record highest Fiscal year 2020-2021 to $18.669 billion which was at crucial for maintaining the exchange rate. fiscal year 2020-2021 price of Rs168.4 in August in the inter-bank market $17.451 billion in the previous year. – The writer is studying MBA (D) Strategic and around Rs170 in the open market. The increase in the foreign exchange reserves was Finance from SZABIST, Islamabad IslamabadPOST 06 WORLD / SPORTS Tuesday, May 04, 2021 Briefs Germany’s Blinken presents new North Oktoberfest Saudi forces cancelled destroy again Houthi drones, Korea approach in G7 moot Web Desk missile BERLIN: Germany’s iconic “Our policy will not focus on achieving a grand bargain, nor will it rely on strategic patience,” Oktoberfest beer festival White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Friday, while acknowledging that successive has been cancelled for the DNA second year running due RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s administrations have failed to achieve the goal of ending N. Korea’s nuclear programme to the pandemic, Bavarian defense forces intercepted state premier Markus Soed- revive a nuclear accord with Iran. time rival South Korea “towards will it rely on strategic patience,” 2019 describing Biden as a “rab- er said Monday. Holding big a ballistic missile and two DNA Amid stringent anti-Covid meas- denuclearisation of the Korean White House Press Secretary Jen id dog” who “must be beaten to Houthi explosive drones public events in Bavaria, in- ures including restrictions on p e n i n s u l a , ” a s t a t e m e n t s a i d . Psaki said Friday, while acknowl- death with a stick”. cluding the annual Oktober- targeting the southern city LONDON: US Secretary of State movements, Blinken met sep- Biden ordered an assessment of edging that successive adminis- A welcoming dinner for the fest in the regional capital of Najran, the Arab coali- Antony Blinken on Monday arately at his hotel with the North Korea policy after his pre- trations have failed to achieve the Group of Seven foreign ministers Munich, will not be feasible tion said on Sunday. The opened the Group of Seven’s foreign ministers of Japan and decessor Donald Trump’s unusu- goal of ending North Korea’s nu- will address both North Korea this year, Soeder said after coalition affirmed that oper- first in-person talks in two years South Korea days after Presi- al, highly personalised diplomacy clear programme. and Iran.Both the United States a meeting with city mayor ational measures have been by presenting the new admin- dent Joe Biden completed a re- that featured three made-for-tel- North Korea on Sunday de- and Britain have played down re- Dieter Reiter. “In the clas- taken to protect civilians, istration’s fresh approach on view on North Korea policy. evision meetings with the totali- nounced the Biden approach, ports that Iran will release their sic beer tents at the big Middle-East daily Asharq North Korea, which has already “We are grateful to have this op- tarian state’s young leader Kim saying he was keeping a “hostile respective nationals from captiv- festivals, social distancing, Al-Awsat reported. denounced it. portunity to have in-depth discus- Jong Un. The review proposed a policy” in place for more than ity as diplomacy steps up. masks and other measures The Secretary-General of With Covid raging in India but in- sions with the US after the conclu- middle ground by moving away half a century. Britain said that talks were are practically impossible to the Organization of Islam- creasingly coming under control sion of your policy review,” South from Trump’s ambitious but ulti- The US-claimed ‘diplomacy’ is still continuing and denounced implement,” Soeder said. ic Cooperation Dr. Yousef in the West, Britain welcomed Korean Chung Eui-yong said, as mately unsuccessful bid to reach a a spurious signboard for cover- the “torture” of dual national “The situation is too precar- Al-Othaimeen condemned foreign ministers of the club of he welcomed the “very positive far-reaching agreement that, after ing up its hostile acts, and ‘de- Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe after ious,” he added. “Imagine the failed Houthi attempts wealthy democracies to London and open message” by Biden in seven decades, could finally bring terrence’ touted by it is just a Iranian state television said there was a new wave and it to target Saudi Arabia. discuss a post-pandemic agenda his address to Congress last week. an official end to the Korean War. means for posing nuclear threats that she could be released from then became a superspread- He affirmed the OIC’s sup- and prepare for a G7 summit in The State Department said that But the White House also said it to the DPRK,” foreign minis- years of detention after London er event. The brand would port to the Kingdom in all southwest England next month. Blinken and Japanese Foreign would engage with North Korea, try official Kwon Jong Gun said settles an old debt. be damaged forever and the measures it takes to pro- India, South Korea, South Afri- Minister Toshimitsu Motegi a shift from former president Ba- through state media, using the After the G7, Blinken will head we don’t want that.” Reiter tect its security and stabili- ca and ASEAN bloc chair Brunei “shared their concerns about rack Obama’s policy of “strategic official name of North Korea. Wednesday to Ukraine in a show said the cancellation was “a ty and the safety of citizens were invited as guests to the three North Korea’s nuclear and ballis- patience” -- or, keeping Pyongyang US officials largely expected a of support after Russia last month great pity” for the millions and residents, state news days of talks, which will also ad- tic missile programmes” in their at arm’s length until its behaviour strident reaction from North Ko- deployed but then pulled back of fans of the festival, with agency SPA reported. dress rising tensions with Russia meeting.They agreed to work to- changes. “Our policy will not focus rea, which is known for its col- some 100,000 troops along its bor- “existential consequences” Earlier, the coalition con- and China as well as diplomacy to gether along with Japan’s some- on achieving a grand bargain, nor ourful statements, including in der and in annexed Crimea. firmed two Houthi explosive for people’s livelihoods. The drones had targeted the south- event, which draws around ern areas of the Kingdom, in- six million visitors annual- cluding one that was launched Miandad all praise ly from late September to toward Khamis Mushait, October, was cancelled in Al-Arabiya TV reported. “The 2020 for the first time since Houthi militia is committing for Babar Azam World War II. But the Okto- serious violations of interna- ISLAMABAD: Batting legend Javed Miandad believes Pa- berfest has previously fallen tional humanitarian law,” the kistani Skipper Babar Azam was the best in the world at victim to epidemics -- chol- Arab Coalition said. The Sau- the moment saying Pakistan has got such a player, after era kept the beer tents emp- di defense ministry had also a long time. “He’s a superb player and after a long time ty in 1854 and 1873. said, earlier on Saturday, it Pakistan has got such a player. I rate him on a very high intercepted and destroyed an level and I think he is the best in the world at the moment. unspecified ‘hostile air target’ He plays solid with the bat and that is cricket. He is a very Pakistan aimed at Jeddah. good striker and plays in the middle in his limit which is a very good quality,” he said in a video on his Youtube eyes... channel. It may be mentioned here that recently Babar From Page 01 Finance Azam became the fastest cricket player to reach the mile- will significantly reduce the stone of 2,000 runs in the Twenty20 international format, country’s dependence on minister having accomplished the feat in just 52 innings. other countries. The prolific batsman bagged the record during Pakistan’s He said China was a strong slams IMF’s.. deciding third and final T20 against Zimbabwe at the Ha- partner and had gone out of From Page 01 rare Sports Club. The Lahore-born cricketer has scored its way in keeping up a sup- “The increase in tariff is 2,194 runs in 31 Tests, 4,077 runs in 85 ODIs and 2,168 ply chain and transferring leading to a rise in inflation. runs in 58 T20s. The former skipper, who scored 8,832 technology to Pakistan. We have told the IMF that runs in 124 Tests, said people expect a lot when a player The SAPM said the govern- we will reduce the circular performs. “If you want to increase your level then you have ment had planned to vacci- debt but increasing the tar- got a very good chance as you are in form. A player learns nate 70 million people by iff is unexplainable,” said when he is in good form as this is the time when you are the end of this year. the minister. mentally very strong and free of mind,” he said. He was “The population of Pakistan He also told the lawmakers of the view that a player also plays bad shots during his which was currently eligible that even though the reve- TASHKENT: Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Furqat Sidikov giving awards to the innings while scoring a 100. “A player should identify and for vaccination was 100 mil- nue has risen in the last two winners of the XV International Competition for “OLTIN QALAM” (“Golden Pen”) improve those bad shots he played during his innings as lion out of 220 million as the months, the government National Prize at the magnificent Turkiston Palace. – DNA then he will go on scoring 200 to 300 runs,” he said. vaccines had only been ap- still has to make tough deci- Miandad, who scored 7,381 runs in 233 ODIs, said his proved for those above 18.” sions to revive the economy. father had a lot of influence on him as he used to ask He added that for the first “Instead of introducing him whether he got out after scoring a 100 or remained half of the year, January to taxes, there is a need to unbeaten. “My father used to tell me that a player should June 2021, the government increase the tax next. Our UN chief calls on all govts go on scoring a 200 or 300 after making 100 instead of had received and expected country lacks short-term, getting out,” he said and added that he wants the players to receive 19.82 million dos- medium-term and long-term to learn on scoring big when they are in form. – DNA es. He added 91% of these policies,” deplored Tarin. doses were purchased, He cited the example of to ensure freedom of media which clearly shows the China, Turkey, and India cy, journalists and media “As budgets tighten, so have increasingly taken to country is not dependent on where there are consistent DNA workers help us navigate too does access to relia- the streets to demand their Police probe Man donations. economic policies in place. a fast-changing and often ble information. Rumours, economic and social rights, Dr Faisal said, “In totality, The minister said he is NEW YORK: United Na- overwhelming landscape of falsehoods and extreme or as well as an end to discrimi- we have signed deals for of the view that there is a tions Secretary-General information, while address- divisive opinions surge in nation and systemic racism, Utd fans protest over 30 million doses so the need to improve policies in Antonio Guterres has called ing dangerous inaccuracies to fill the gap”, the Secre- impunity, and corruption”, fact that we have already agriculture, industries, the on all governments to do and falsehoods”, he said. tary-General said, urging she said. licing and call in support secured 30 million doses ports esk housing sector, and price everything in their power to “Free and independent all governments to “do However, journalists fulfill- S D from neighbouring forces to and will continue to procure control. Tarin told the law- support a free, independent prevent the disorder getting more for the rest of the year journalism is our greatest everything in their power to ing their fundamental role MANCHESTER: Police makers that mortgage in the and diverse media. worse". should be very reassuring.” ally in combatting misinfor- support a free, independent of reporting on these social have launched an investi- country is at 0.25%, adding "Free and independent A United statement said: He said Pakistan was now mation and disinformation.” and diverse media”. protests have become tar- gation after an officer re- that if the housing sector is journalism is our greatest "Our fans are passionate vaccinating nearly 150,000 Guterres also noted the Michelle Bachelet, UN gets, with many becoming quired emergency hospital revived, then 20 other in- ally in combatting misin- about Manchester United, people daily while the target personal risks journalists High Commissioner for victims of unnecessary and treatment following the dustries will start working. formation and disinforma- and we completely acknowl- was to reach 300,000. and media workers face, Human Rights, also high- disproportionate use of protest that led to the post- “The government should tion," he said in a message edge the right to free ex- “The government has start- including restrictions, cen- lighted the importance force, arbitrary arrests, and ponement of Manchester privatise all institutions that marking the World Press pression and peaceful pro- ed vaccination for 40 years sorship, abuse, harassment, of free, uncensored and criminal prosecution, Ms. United's Premier League it is unable to run,” Tarin Freedom Day, which is be- test. "However, we regret and above and in this regard, detention and even death, independent press as “a Bachelet added. clash at home to Liverpool. said, adding that there very ing celebrated today. the disruption to the team the registration was opened “simply for doing their cornerstone of democrat- In addition to dissuading Fans invaded Old Trafford little amount is spent on ed- In this regard, the UN chief and actions which put other last week.” Dr Faisal said, jobs”, and that the situation ic societies”, conveying other journalists from crit- and went onto the pitch on ucation and health. underscored the impor- fans, staff, and the police “Our procurement is a result continues to worsen. life-saving information, ically reporting on relevant Sunday as part of a protest tance of reliable, verified in danger. "We thank the of proactive efforts. The gov- The economic impact of improving public partici- issues, such attacks weaken against United's owners, and accessible information. police for their support and ernment initiated the con- the coronavirus pandemic pation, and strengthening public debate and hamper the US-based Glazer family. SL beats “During the pandemic, will assist them in any sub- versation with vaccine man- has hit many media outlets accountability and respect society’s ability to respond Hundreds of fans managed and in other crises includ- sequent investigations." ufacturers and GAVI in July Bangladesh hard, threatening their very for human rights. effectively to challenges, in- to make their way into the ing the climate emergen- The Premier League said 2020 which is well before survival, he added. “Around the world, people cluding COVID-19, she said. ground, chanting "we want while it understood the any vaccine had been fully in 2nd Test Glazers out." fans' "strength of feeling", developed and approved.” PALLEKELE: Sri Lanka 25 killed in Large numbers of support- it condemned "all acts of spinner Praveen Jayawick- ‘Pakistan ready to boost ers had also gathered out- violence, criminal damage rama enjoyed a dream debut boat accident side the stadium and there and trespass, especially giv- PM, OIC as he claimed 11 wickets to Philippines’ war on terror’ were clashes with police as en the associated Covid-19 seal a 209-run victory over DHAKA: At least 25 people they moved to disperse the breaches". Manchester City envoys... Bangladesh in the second MANILA: Pakistan is ready to share its “vast and valuable experience” with the Philip- were killed in a collision be- crowd, with objects thrown could have been crowned From Page 01 Test at Pallekele on Mon- pines in its war against terror to strengthen ties between the two nations, particularly in tween two boats in central at officers and horses. Two Premier League champions The Prime Minister also un- day. Chasing a daunting 437 security and cultural diplomacy, Pakistani Ambassador to the Philippines Imtiaz Kazi said Bangladesh on Monday, police officers were injured, with on Sunday had United lost derlined the need for institut- to win, Bangladesh were in an exclusive interview with Arab News. “Pakistan can rightly claim it has won the war said. “We have rescued five one "attacked with a bottle the match. ing legal safeguards aimed at dismissed for 227 in the on terror, albeit at a costly price,” Kazi said. “Inside Pakistan, there were suicide attacks, people and retrieved 25 bod- and sustaining a signifi- The Premier League added protecting the sensitivities first session of the final day terror attacks, our entire fabric of society was really disrupted. We suffered $130 billion (in ies,” local police chief Miraz cant slash wound to his that the "rearrangement of of all religious groups. He after resuming at 177-5 as economic losses). More than that ... 60,000 to 70,000 people have died,” he said, adding Hossain told AFP. The colli- face, requiring emergency the fixture will be communi- underscored the imperative Sri Lanka wrapped up the that 8,000 to 9,000 of those were “officers and men of the Pakistan Army.” sion was between a packed hospital treatment", ac- cated in due course". of OIC’s collective efforts match, and the series 1-0, However, Pakistan has succeeded in “dismantling terrorist networks which operated in boat carrying at least 30 pas- cording to a Greater Man- Anger towards the Glazers to project the true image of after 90 minutes of play. its border areas” and, since 2014, has been “one of the best examples in containing ter- sengers and a vessel trans- chester Police statement. has been reignited by Unit- Islam, and its message of The 22-year-old left-armer rorism.” “It is ready to share the Pakistani forces’ capabilities and its experience of oper- porting sand in the Padma riv- Assistant chief constable ed's part in a failed Euro- peace and tolerance. The Jayawickrama was named ation, namely, Zarb e Azb and Operation Raddul Fasaad, (to help) countries in their fight er near the town of Shibchar. Russ Jackson criticised the pean Super League (ESL) Prime Minister reaffirmed player of the match after against terrorism,” Kazi said. Citing the example of the 2017 Marawi siege in the Phil- More people were reportedly "reckless and dangerous" project, that collapsed that Pakistan remained com- claiming 11-178 on his first ippines — staged by Daesh-inspired militants who had recruited several Muslim youths missing while fire service behaviour of supporters in- within 48 hours last month mitted to dialogue and coop- Test appearance as he add- — Kazi said that Pakistan had developed modest defense capabilities and equipment in ad- officials and locals continued volved in violent acts, saying after a backlash from fans, eration with all members of ed five second-innings wick- dition to deradicalization programs, launched by the Pakistan National Counterterrorism rescue operations, another it meant GMP had to "take players, governments and the international communi- ets to his six in the first. Authority (NACTA), which it can share with the Philippine military. – DNA policeman said. – officers from front-line po- governing bodies. APP ty for promoting universal Jayawickrama said it was a values of tolerance, mutual dream come true just to get respect and peaceful co-ex- a place in the Test team. istence among all nations “It was a childhood dream to and peoples. play for Sri Lanka one day,” Nong Rong, Ambassador Jayawickrama said. “To get At least 8 reported killed in Myanmar protests of China to Pakistan called 11 wickets in the game is on General Qamar Javed simply unbelievable.” Thousands of people, in towns and cities across the country, joined the protests calling Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff He thanked senior players for “the Global Myanmar Spring Revolution” (COAS) at GHQ, today. for their encouragement. Matters of mutual interest, “They just told me not both- BURMA: At least eight people in Mandalay, the country’s sec- man for the ruling government did UN to end the violence. them on “instigators”. recent developments in er when the batsmen go have been killed in Myanmar af- ond-biggest city, according to the not answer calls seeking comment. In Yangon, young people gathered There have been no claims of re- Afghan peace process, pro- after the bowling, just to be ter security forces opened fire Mizzima news agency. The military seized power from the on a street corner before march- sponsibility for the explosions. gress on CPEC, regional patient and do the basics on some of the biggest protests The Irrawaddy news site earlier elected government of Aung San ing swiftly down the streets in a The Assistance Association for security and current situa- right,” he said. “I am glad against military rule in days, three posted a photograph of a man Suu Kyi and the ruling National flash mob – dispersing soon after Political Prisoners (AAPP), which tion of COVID-19 were dis- that it all worked today.” months after a coup plunged the it said was a security officer in League for Democracy (NLD) in to avoid a clash with the authori- is monitoring the situation, says cussed during the meeting. Skipper Dimuth Karuna- country into political turmoil. plain clothes taking aim with a a coup on February 1, triggered ties. “To bring down the military security forces have killed at least COAS thanked the dignitary ratne, who was named play- Thousands of people, in towns and rifle in Mandalay. Three people a civil disobedience movement of dictatorship is our cause!” they 765 protesters since the coup, for China’s contribution er of the two-match series cities across the country, joined were killed in the central town of strikes and mass protests. chanted, waving a three-finger sa- while some 4,609 people have towards fight against COV- for scoring 428 runs in three the protests on Sunday calling for Wetlet, the Myanmar Now news Long-running conflicts with ethnic lute in a show of resistance. been arrested. ID-19 in Pakistan and said innings, said Jayawickrama “the Global Myanmar Spring Rev- agency said, and two were killed armed groups in border areas in In eastern Shan state, youths car- The military, which has labelled that Pakistan Army greatly and off-spinner Ramesh olution”. Rallies in support of the in different towns in Shan State in the north and east have also in- ried a banner that read: “We can- the AAPP an unlawful organisa- values its friendly relations Mendis worked well as a anti-coup protests also took place the northeast, two media outlets tensified, displacing tens of thou- not be ruled at all”. tion, has acknowledged 258 pro- with China. team. “Ramesh also gave outside Myanmar, as Pope Francis reported. One person was also sands of civilians, according to Bomb blasts were also reported testers have been killed, along Visiting dignitary appreciat- him (Jayawickrama) a lot of called for peace. killed in the northern jade-mining United Nations estimates. in different parts of Yangon on with 17 policemen and seven sol- ed Pakistan’s sincere efforts help from the other end, in “Shake the world with the voice town of Hpakant, according to the The military has responded to Sunday. Explosions have been diers. The generals ruled Myan- for peace and stability in the terms of building pressure,” of Myanmar people’s unity,” the Kachin News Group reported. the protests with arrests and le- happening with increasing fre- mar for nearly 50 years until they region, especially Afghan Karunaratne said. – APP organisers said in a statement. The Reuters news agency could thal force and ignored calls from quency in the former capital began a tentative reform process Two people were shot and killed not verify the reports and a spokes- neighbouring countries and the and authorities have blamed 10 years ago. – Agencies Peace Process. IslamabadPOST 07 BUSINESS / WORLD Tuesday, May 04, 2021 Iraq Briefs evacuates India nears 20m cases as citizens from Europe virus-stricken stocks rise India as Asia falls Europe eyes opening up on risks DNA LONDON: European mar- Amid severe shortages, India’s federal and state authorities have been BAGHDAD: Iraq on Mon- kets rose Monday but Asia day began evacuating its was mostly down as investors scrambling to get extra oxygen to hospitals, including by sourcing it from the nationals from India amid weigh the risk of inflation as the spread of corona-virus the global economy recovers steel industry and sending special “Oxygen Express” trains pandemic in the south Asian from the coronavirus pan- help on social media. the tournament’s bio-secure “Out there the hospitals are against the second wave”. uation but also all people country. demic. Monitoring Desk “Oxygen is a basic require- “bubble”. full. People are sometimes The grim situation in India who have received the last “Iraqi Airways launched With London, Tokyo and ment of a hospital and a The match -- between the dying in front of the hospi- stands in stark contrast to recommended dose of an first exceptional flights to Shanghai closed for holiday, NEW DELHI: India’s total consistent supply has not Kolkata Knight Riders and tals. They have no more ox- gradual reopenings in Eu- EU-authorised vaccine,” the India to evacuate Iraqi citi- traders elsewhere diverged Covid-19 caseload neared been assured. We are con- Royal Challengers Banga- ygen,” German ambassador rope and other wealthier commission said. zens stranded there due to ahead of more company re- 20 million and oxygen short- stantly firefighting,” the lore -- was called off just Walter J. Lindner said. parts of the world, where Among those preparing the spread of corona-virus,” sults and US unemployment ages exacerbated a devas- head of the Madhukar Rain- hours before its start in Stung by defeat in a key rapid vaccination programs for a post-pandemic future airline chief Kifah Hussein figures later this week. tating second wave on Mon- bow Children’s Hospital Dr Ahmedabad after Varun state-level election and a buoyed by easy access to is France, which on Mon- said in a statement. Investment giant Warren day, as the EU proposed Dinesh told the Indian Ex- Chakaravarthy and Sandeep Supreme Court ruling or- jabs have helped keep new day relaxed controls on He said all official approvals Buffett instilled some unease new rules that could allow press daily. Warrier became infected. dering him to rectify the cases down. movement and allowed the have been obtained from after saying at the weekend travellers who are fully vac- The crisis had already Amid severe shortages, In- oxygen situation in Delhi Von der Leyen’s Commis- partial return of students the Iraqi and Indian author- that he expected the US cinated to enter the bloc. raised questions about dia’s federal and state au- by midnight (1830 GMT), sion on Monday proposed to classrooms as part of a ities for bringing the Iraqi economy was in “super high Cases have soared by whether the Indian Premier thorities have been scram- embattled Prime Minister that travellers who are ful- four-stage process of open- nationals back home. gear” thanks to massive Fed- around eight million since League should go ahead, bling to get extra oxygen Modi held talks with Euro- ly vaccinated with EU-ap- ing up. The next step is ex- India has registered anoth- eral Reserve and government the end of March, with In- though cricket authorities, to hospitals, including by pean Commission president proved jabs be able once pected on May 19, with the er global record in daily support but that it would fan dian Prime Minister Nar- who stand to lose hundreds sourcing it from the steel in- Ursula von der Leyen Mon- again to enter the bloc, if limited reopening of shops, corona-virus infections with inflation. endra Modi under growing of millions of dollars if it is dustry and sending special day. The pair discussed they come from countries cinemas, museums, thea- over 350,000 cases since He said “people have money pressure to take decisive halted, have insisted it is “Oxygen Express” trains. “the prevailing Covid-19 sit- keeping Covid-19 at bay. tres and outdoor bars and April 22. The country’s in their pocket and they’re action to reverse the surge. helping to raise spirits. International aid has also uation in India and the EU”, “The Commission proposes restaurants. overall tally reached over paying higher prices” and Scores died over the week- But on Monday, the league poured into the country. according to a statement to allow entry to the EU for Greece is also due to reo- 19,9 million cases, including there was more inflation than end in hospitals hit by short- was forced into its first Germany and France this from Modi’s office, with the non-essential reasons not pen outdoor dining after 218,959 fatalities. = DNA expected six months ago. ages that have forced clinics coronavirus postponement weekend sent medical Indian leader thanking the only for all persons com- six months of closures as His comments revived con- in the capital New Delhi this season, after two play- equipment including oxy- bloc for “mobilizing quick ing from countries with a it eyes the beginning of the cerns that the explosive re- to send urgent appeals for ers tested positive despite gen-generating plants. support for India’s fight good epidemiological sit- tourism season. EU summons covery, vaccinations and eas- ing of lockdowns would push Russian up prices to the extent that Saudia’s the Fed would have to ease King Salman ambassador up on its market-supportive, ultra-loose monetary policies. appoints new Those worries continue to ministers DNA hover over trading floors de- spite Fed boss Jerome Pow- BRUSSELS: The European JEDDAH: Faisal bin Fadel Union summoned the Rus- ell’s repeated insistence that bin Mohsen Al-Ibrahim was they will not tighten policy sian ambassador on Mon- appointed as Saudi Arabia’s day after Moscow put eight until they are happy that un- new minister of economy and employment has been tamed EU nationals, including planning in a series of new top Brussels officials, on a and inflation is running con- government appointments is- sistently hot for some time. blacklist in retaliation for sued by King Salman on Mon- sanctions by the bloc. However, Dallas Fed presi- day. Amid the royal decrees, dent Robert Kaplan broke Moscow’s envoy was to Prince Sultan bin Salman bin meet senior officials from ranks with Powell on Friday Abdulaziz Al-Saud was made as he said tapering could the European Commission a minister after being ap- and the EU’s diplomatic ser- soon be considered. pointed as special advisor to “We’re now at a point where vice later in the afternoon, the King, and made chairman EU spokesman Peter Stano I’m observing excesses and of the board of trustees of imbalances in financial mar- said. the King Salman Foundation. “These counter sanctions kets,” he said. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha “I’m very attentive to that, are obviously very political- was appointed as chairman of ly motivated and lack any and that’s why I do think at the board of directors of the the earliest opportunity I legal justification,” Stano Saudi Space Authority. Iman think will be appropriate for said. bint Habas bin Sultan al-Mu- us to start talking about ad- “We will convey to him tairi was appointed as deputy justing those purchases.” strong condemnation and minister of trade, while Badr National Australia Bank’s Ray rejection of this decision.” bin Abdul-Mohsen bin Abdul- Attrill said in a note: “The On Friday, Russia barred main overarching rationale lah bin Hadab was named entry to eight officials from remains on the pace of the assistant to the minister of the EU -- European Par- recovery which he sees as commerce. Khaled bin Abdul- liament president David being much faster than he lah Al-Sabti was made a min- Sassoli and commission previously expected and now ister when he was appointed vice-president Vera Jouro- forecasts unemployment at 4 as an advisor in the General va were among them -- in percent by year’s end. – APP Secretariat of the Council of response to sanctions from Ministers, and made chair of the bloc over abuses, includ- board of directors of Educa- ing the jailing of Kremlin Malaysia tion and Training Evaluation ISLAMABAD: Vice President of the Huawei Middle East Region, Mr. Li Xiangyu, presents a souvenir to critic Alexei Navalny. Commission. –APP President Dr Arif Alvi, at Aiwan-E-Sadr. – DNA European Commission reports 2,500 head Ursula von der Ley- new Covid en, European Council boss Thousands dance Charles Michel and Sas- Cuba’s 2 COVID-19 vaccines soli condemned Moscow’s cases measures as “groundless” mask-free at UK in a joint statement on Fri- day and threatened “to take Web Desk might be ready in summer live gig trial appropriate measures in re- sponse”. KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia surpassed 32.4 million and finally pediatric popu- He said Cuba plans to com- LIVERPOOL: Thousands danced without face The latest row with the reported 2,500 new COV- DNA and fatalities have rapidly lation.” plete vaccination of all its coverings at a music festival in northern England as Kremlin comes as tensions ID-19 infections, the Health climbed to over 577,000. Two vaccine candidates people, against all odds, the UK government permitted the country’s first post- between the bloc and Russia Ministry said on Monday, ANKARA: Two Cuban Dr. Rodriguez said Cuba – Soberana 02 and Abda- before the end of this lockdown gig. have surged over Ukraine, bringing the national total COVID-19 vaccines are has decided to develop its la – are now in Phase III year, and drew attention A crowd of 5,000 people cheered, danced and sang Navalny and the tit-for-tat to 417,512. in solid progress to be own vaccine candidates to clinical trials, Rodriguez to “a shortage worldwide along to performances from bands including English expulsions of diplomats Health Ministry Direc- available in summer, Dr. immunize all of its popula- said, with ‘’efficacy data for available supplies of indie pop act Blossoms at the sold-out event on Sunday involving a number of EU tor-General Noor Hisham Rolando Perez Rodriguez, tion, based on the capaci- expected by June.” raw materials and primary at Liverpool’s Sefton Park. members state. Abdullah said in a press director of Science and ties of the national biotech “However, positive safety packaging material for the The festival was part of a pilot project by the UK statement that four of the Innovation at the Cuban industry. and immunogenicity data pharmaceutical industry.” government called the Events Research Programme new cases are imported and Biotechnology and Phar- He shared that the “im- from these vaccine candi- “This situation is even (ERP) to test crowd safety at live events ahead of Covax signs 2,496 local transmissions. maceutical Industries munization program will dates have been obtained worse in Cuba due to the planned lifting of restrictions on June 21. Another 18 more deaths Group (BioCubaFarma), cover, stepwise, risk and in previous clinical trials,” economic and financial Hugging a group of friends outside the concert tent, deal for 500m have been reported, bring- told Anadolu Agency in an vulnerable groups, adults, he added. embargo imposed by USA Matt Berry said they were “getting back to doing ing the death toll to 1,551. exclusive interview. against our country for normal things that normal people do... finally” Moderna A total of 2,068 patients Boasting one of the high- several decades, which “I think it is good to get it all started again to test if it have been released after est ratios in the world in has been reinforced during vaccine doses terms of doctor density, the last years, even during can all work for summer, and if it will all go ahead in recovery, bringing the total the summer as well,” said another concert-goer, Freya number of cured and dis- 8.2 per 1,000 people ac- the situation of sanitary cording to the World Bank, emergency created by the Begley. Web Desk charged to 385,208 or 92.3 The government has previously allowed limited percent of all cases. Cuba has stood out as one COVID-19 pandemic,’’ he of the most capable coun- numbers of supporters to attend sports events such Of the remaining 30,753 complained. GENEVA: The Covax global tries in the world to fight as the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley. Researchers are active cases, 352 are being In February 1962, US vaccine equity programme the coronavirus pandemic monitoring how well different approaches to social held in intensive care unit President John F. Kenne- said Monday it has struck a with only 664 reported distancing and ventilation work. deal to buy 500 million dos- and 186 of those are in need dy proclaimed an embargo deaths so far and slightly All those attending the two-day concert had to es of Moderna’s Covid-19 of assisted breathing. on trade between the Unit- over 108,000 infections. ed States and Cuba, “in re- take lateral flow coronavirus tests before entering jabs. The US state of Florida sponse to certain actions the venue and will also have to take another test The doses, to come on Denmark alone, which is a stone’s taken by the Cuban Gov- afterwards. stream from October at the throw from the Caribbe- ernment,” and directed They have to give their contact details to the state- earliest, will broaden out drops J&J an nation, has registered the departments of com- funded health service so they can be traced if they test the portfolio of vaccines in over 35,000 deaths, ac- merce and the treasury to positive. the Covax scheme, which vaccine from cording to Maryland’s implement the embargo, The bands performed in a tent. At the entrance to the has so far been heavily reli- Johns Hopkins University. which controversially re- venue, audience members had to show QR codes and ant on the AstraZeneca vac- vaccination Overall US infections have mains in place to date. Covid test results. – APP cine and hit by delays. The Moderna doses are expected to start supplying DNA Covax in the final quarter of 2021, with 34 million COPENHAGEN: Denmark doses available before the said Monday it would not US to begin reuniting migrant families end of the year, the Covax include the Covid-19 vac- scheme’s co-leader Gavi an- cine from US drugmaker “We are pleased that the process of reunifications is beginning this week and nounced in a statement. Johnson & Johnson in its na- A further 466 million doses tional vaccination campaign, that these four mothers will be hugging their children after so many years” will follow in 2022. citing worries over serious “We are reuniting the first group of did not happen in thousands of cas- a complete database of separated nied child in Border Patrol custody The Covax facility ensures side effects involving blood Foreign Desk families, many more will follow, and es. families, correct inaccuracies in the has plummeted to about 20 hours, access to jabs in poor coun- clots. we recognize the importance of pro- A public outcry and lawsuits forced files they were provided, and build below the legal limit of 72 hours and tries, with the cost covered “The Danish Health Author- WASHINGTON: The United States viding these families with the stabili- the Trump administration to halt the processes to find every family down from 133 hours in late March, by donors. Wealthier coun- ity has concluded that the will begin reuniting migrant chil- ty and resources they need to heal.” the separations, but for as many and give them the opportunity to Mayorkas said. tries can bulk-buy through benefits of using the Cov- dren with their parents this week President Joe Biden has prioritized as 5,000 children, the damage had reunite and heal,” the homeland se- There are currently 677 unaccom- the scheme. Covax is co-led id-19 vaccine from Johnson after they were separated by the a special task force to reunify the been done. curity statement said. panied children in Border Patrol by the World Health Organ- & Johnson do not outweigh administration of former president hundreds of families as part of his Trump’s immigration officials kept It did not clarify if the children will custody, down from more than ization, the Gavi vaccine the risk of causing the possi- Donald Trump, Secretary of Home- sweeping rolling back of Trump’s poor records and did little to coop- be permitted to stay in the United 5,700 in late March. alliance and the Coalition ble adverse effect... in those land Security Alejandro Mayorkas hardline policies, which focused on erate with groups seeking to help States legally with their parents. Health and Human Services opened for Epidemic Preparedness who receive the vaccine,” said Monday. deterring migration from Central the children, forcing more lawsuits. The reunifications begin as the 14 emergency intake centres, rais- Innovations. The scheme the authority said in a state- Mayorkas tweeted that four mothers America. It was not clear how many children Biden administration confronts the ing capacity to nearly 20,000 beds aims to distribute enough ment. who had fled “extremely dangerous Biden has called the family separa- were still separated from their par- third major increase in unaccompa- from 952 when the Federal Emer- doses to vaccinate up to 27 “Therefore, the Danish situations in their home countries” tions a “moral failure and a national ents by the time the Biden adminis- nied children arriving at the border gency Management Agency was percent of the population in Health Authority will con- would be reunited with children as shame.” tration took over, but estimates put in seven years. dispatched on March 13, Mayorkas the 92 poorest territories tinue the Danish mass vac- young as three years old. Trump announced his zero toler- it at as high as 1,000. It has made strides moving children said. participating in the program cination programme against “We are pleased that the process ance policy towards undocumented Many of them are from rural, inac- from grossly overcrowded Border About 400 asylum officers from US by the end of the year. Covid-19 without the Cov- of reunifications is beginning this migrants in 2018, declaring that cessible mountain communities, Patrol facilities to US Department Citizenship and Immigration Ser- “We are very pleased to sign id-19 vaccine from Johnson week and that these four mothers they would be arrested and charged with reunification made even hard- of Health and Human Services vices have been assigned as case this new agreement with & Johnson,” it added. The will be hugging their children after with a crime. er by the coronavirus pandemic and shelters, which are more suited to managers to speed the release of Moderna, giving Covax facil- WHO and European medi- so many years,” he wrote. As part of the new regime children two hurricanes that ravaged Central longer-term stays until children are children to sponsors. ity participants access to yet cines watchdog have both He added in a statement released by were separated from their parents, America last fall. placed with sponsors in the US, typ- As of Thursday, Health and Human another highly efficacious authorised the vaccine. his department that the move was on a promise that the families would The task force created by Biden has ically parents or close relatives. Services had 22,557 children in its vaccine,” said Gavi chief ex- ecutive Seth Berkley. “just the beginning.” be reunited within weeks. But this been “working tirelessly to establish The average stay for an unaccompa- care. IslamabadTUESDAY, MAY 04, 2021 | WWW.ISLAMABADPOST.COM.PKPOST PM to chair Briefs meeting Korea keen to promote co-op on vaccine Pak- Saudi situation envoys discuss PM’s with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa DNA upcoming Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Suh Sangpyo met with a number ISLAMABAD: Prime Min- ister Imran Khan has con- visit vened a meeting of the of government officials; expressed his desire to develop close relations federal cabinet on Tuesday spector General of Khyber (tomorrow) to review the DNA Staff Report Pakhtunkhwa Police, Sanul- availability of COVID vac- lahAbbasi and the Deputy In- cine in the country. ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s PESHAWAR: The Ambassa- spector General of Counter According to details, a ambassador to Saudi Ara- dor of the Republic of Korea Terrorism Department of KP federal cabinet meeting bia , Lt. Gen. (Retd) Bilal Suh Sangpyo called upon Police, Javed Wazir to discuss headed by Prime Minister Akbar held a meeting with prominent governmental matters of security coopera- Imran Khan would mull Saudi envoy to Pakistan, and civil services figures of tion to enhance the inflow of over eight-point agenda Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa dur- Korean tourists into the prov- including getting briefings Riyadh on the other day and ing his visit to Peshawar. ince. Suh Sangpyo addition- on COVID vaccine. discussed matters related to Suh Sangpyo called upon ally called upon the Special During the previous the upcoming visit of Prime the Chief Minister of Khy- Assistant to the Chief Minis- meeting, the cabinet ap- Minister Imran Khan to the ber Pakhtunkhwa, H.E. Mr. ter of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa proved setting a retail kingdom. Mehmood Khan who was for Higher Education and price for COVID vaccine Pakistan embassy in Riyadh accompanied by the Minister Information, Kamran Khan in the country after Pe- on its social media account for Health and Finance of Bangash to discuss possible shawar High Court (PHC) Twitter said during the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Tai- areas of educational cooper- and Sindh High Court meeting, the envoys of both mour Salim Jhagra and Min- ation between universities (SHC) sought details countries reaffirmed their ister for Local Government of both countries and to en- from the government re- resolve to further strength- and Law, Akbar Ayub Khan. courage student to student garding approval of the en the “time tested brother- Both sides discussed matters exchanges. retail price of the COVID hood and friendship with a of mutual interest and the The Ambassador of the Re- vaccine in the country af- renewed focus on economic measures being taken for public of Korea hoped that ter being approached by cooperation.” providing a more conducive these meetings would prove the pharmaceutical com- Last week, ambassador Al- environment for Korean in- to be instrumental in enhanc- panies. Malki had told the interna- vestments to various areas ing cooperation between the Besides this, the federal tional media that “this visit including hydropower. Vari- Government of Korea and cabinet would mull over will further strengthen rela- ous matters regarding to the the Provincial Government the political and economic tions between the two coun- promotion of Buddhist tour- of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and situation in the country. tries in all fields,” adding ism in the province were also would pave the way for en- The meeting would ap- “many memoranda of un- discussed in the meeting. hanced foreign investments, prove the appointment of derstanding will be signed Ambassador Suh Sangpyo increased tourism and educa- production control manag- during the visit.” similarly called upon the In- tional cooperation. er at Heavy Industry Taxila The two countries had and, CEO of Railway Con- inked agreements of $20 struction Pakistan Limited billion investment projects besides mulling over the during the crown prince’s participation of the private visit to Pakistan in Febru- sector in railways. ary 2019. Al-Malki said that The cabinet would also while work on the projects give nod to the deploy- had “already begun,” a ment of Pakistan Army in planned preferential trade aid of civil administration, agreement would also lead remission for inmates on to broader economic coop- the occasion of Eid ul Fitr eration. and giving nod to issue a commemorative coin on the 100 years of the estab- NAB seeks lishment of the NED Uni- closure of versity of Engineering and inquiries Pakistan’s stance Technology. against Kazakh researchers present Dr Firdous Chaudhrys finished QazVac vaccine clear on Palestine, defends try, Anadolu Agency report- as COVID-19 was isolated, 2020 involved 44 volunteers, Kashmir: Ashrafi tirade against DNA DNA ed. were studied,” said the Ka- while a phase II clinical trial “In March 2020, the first zakh Ministry of Education began on Oct. 17 with 200 stani community living in AC Sialkot LAHORE: An accountabili- NUR SULTAN: Kazakhstan coronavirus case was con- and Science in a statement. volunteers. DNA the Kingdom and will raise ty court (AC) in Lahore on has joined the list of coun- firmed in Kazakhstan. On The vaccine was registered On Dec. 19, the Kazakh Min- their problems with the Monday reserved its verdict tries that have produced and March 23, samples were tak- by the World Health Organi- istry of Healthcare granted ISLAMABAD: Prime Min- Saudi authorities. DNA in the petition filed by the made available their own en from those who became zation as a candidate vaccine permission for phase III ister’s Special Represent- He said the Prime Min- LAHORE: Special Assistant National Accountability Bu- COVID-19 vaccine. ill, and biological properties, on May 15, 2020. The phase clinical trials. 3000 people ative on Inter-religion Har- ister today held meeting to the Chief Minister Pun- reau (NAB), seeking closure The country on Monday from which a virus identified I clinical trials in September volunteered and were vacci- mony Molana Tahir Ashrafi with the representatives jab Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan of three inquiries against started administering its nated with the QazCovid-in says resolving issues of of Muslim countries and is holding a press confer- the Chaudhrys of Gujrat. COVID-19 vaccine called Qa- vaccine in the cities of Al- overseas Pakistanis is top stressed the need to build ence, and offering her clar- AC Judge Sheikh Sajjad zVac. Health Minister Alexey maty and Taraz. No severe priority of government. unanimous narrative on is- ification on the controversy heard the NAB’s petition. Tsoy received his first dose side effects or complaints Addressing a news con- sues related to the sancti- involving Assistant Commis- According to NAB Pros- of QazVac vaccine in a local were reported. ference in Islamabad on ty of Prophet hood. sioner Sialkot Sonia Sadaf. ecutor Hafiz Asadullah, outpatient clinic in the cap- The vaccination against (Monday), he said during Prime Minister’s Special The Punjab chief minis- Chaudhry Shujaat and ital Nur-Sultan on Monday, the coronavirus started on his upcoming visit to Saudi Representative on Inter-reli- ter’s advisor spoke on the Punjab Assembly Speaker Kazinform reported. February 1 in Kazakhstan. Arabia, the Prime Minis- gion Harmony Molana Tahir incident, saying that the at- Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi are After being inoculated in a The nation currently uses ter will hold consultations Ashrafi said Pakistan’s stance titude by the assistant com- facing inquiries in assets live broadcast, Tsoy said he Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, with Saudi leadership. on Palestine and Kashmir is missioner was disappoint- beyond known sources of feels good, adding they have which is manufactured at the Molana Tahir Ashrafi said very clear; therefore, the ing. She said Chief Minister income, illegal recruitments started vaccinating the public Karaganda pharmaceutical the Prime Minister will country is not going to make Usman Buzdar had asked cases. in various parts of the coun- plant. also interact with the Paki- any compromises on that. for a report to be submit- He, in the petition, stated ted on the matter, adding that since no proof had been that he had also expressed found against Chaudhrys in Pak student to apply displeasure over the pub- these cases, therefore, it Govt to facilitate free media: Fawad lic having to stand in long was better to close inquiries China’s poverty reduction ic and constitutional right of The Minister pointed out with Chairman Naya Pakistan queues to buy sugar. against them in these cases. DNA Journalists. that the journalists in Indi- Authority in Islamabad, In- Speaking about the inci- experience home The Information Minister an illegally occupied Jammu formation Minister and Min- dent, she said, “If imple- that a woman not only speaks ISLAMABAD: In his mes- made it clear that there is no and Kashmir, Palestine and ister of State for Information mentation is not being done Sindh to DNA for herself, but also speaks sage on the occasion of World concept of media censorship other areas face difficulties discussed matters pertaining on the coronavirus SOPs take strict for her community. And only Press Freedom Day, Minister in the country and the media in search of truth and for pro- to inclusion of journalists in fixed by the government, BEIJING: Esha Iqbal, a Paki- then can women hold up half for Information and Broad- in Pakistan enjoys unprec- moting it. the Prime Minister’s Hous- then [it should be under- steps to curb stani graduate student in Chi- the sky, Esha added. casting Chaudhary Fawad edented freedom. He said Chaudhary Fawad Hussain ing programme. stood] that we [public office na Women University (CWU) Back home Esha was a Re- Hussain reiterates govern- the government encourages said it is part of our agenda Later on, the programme holders] are accountable to virus surge Esha Iqbal hoped to apply gional Operations Manager ment’s commitment to en- self-regulation by media. to introduce new media tech- will be extended to Karachi, the people.” China’s poverty reduction at Habib Bank Limited (HBL) sure free and independent In his tweets, Chaudhary nologies and new projects Lahore, Faisalabad and Gu- She turned her guns towards experience home, reports in Mirpur District, Azad media in the country. Fawad Hussain also paid trib- will also be brought this year jranwala. some media persons, saying DNA China Economic Net (CEN). Kashmir. Also, she was a field He said the government re- utes to journalists, who laid especially for the young jour- The Information Minister that they had distorted the As a co-founder of Youth Im- trainer for National Financial gards the freedom of press down their lives in the line nalists. said the program will be tak- picture yesterday when the KARACHI: Chief Minister pact, a youth development Literacy Program of State as a fundamental, democrat- of duty. Meanwhile, at a meeting en to Peshawar and Quetta. incident took place. of Sindh has decided to take organization, Esha attached Bank Of Pakistan in Kolti & strict measures to curb the great importance to female’s Bhimber district. soaring cases of coronavirus power in poverty alleviation. “Pakistan is a society where in Hyderabad and Karachi “Women represent 50 % pop- we have a certain amount East districts. ulation overall in the world. of gender segregation and A meeting of Sindh’s Coro- There are statistics that financial participation for navirus Task Force Monday women are more poverty women is limited. That’s why informed that Sindh have stricken. So if women are not my presence in that training 5.4 percent positivity rate there to talk about their own was somehow crucial,” she of coronavirus tests. needs, there won’t be anyone explained, adding that she in- The recovery rate of coro- to represent them,” she men- cluded lots of women in that navirus patients in Sindh tioned. training and helped them has been 93 percent and Therefore, it is important open accounts in the bank. the death rate 1.6 percent, the session of the task force chaired by Chief Min- ister Syed Murad Ali Shah Pak to get COVAX was briefed. “In April 154 Covid-19 patients died in vaccines this week Sindh,” according to the Foreign Minister Shah briefing. Chief Minister of DNA Mahmood Qureshi had an- Sindh decided to take strict nounced that Pakistan will measures to curb the surge ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is receive 15 million doses in cases of coronavirus in expected to receive vac- of the coronavirus vaccine Hyderabad and Karachi cine doses via the COVAX from the COVAX scheme East districts. vaccine facility starting this as the country continues to Sindh CM expressed con- week, sources said Monday. battle the pandemic’s third cern over rampant violation According to the sources, wave. Qureshi took to Twit- of the coronavirus SOPs the first consignment will ter to announce the develop- and directed the police and bring 1.2 million doses of ment after his meeting with Commissioner Karachi to the Oxford-Astrazeneca German Foreign Minister ensure strict enforcement coronavirus vaccine to the Heiko Maas in Berlin. of the precautionary meas- country. The shipment is “Following my meeting ures. The ministers should arriving from South Korea. with Foreign Minister @ visit the city for imple- The first batch is expect- HeikoMaas, I am happy to mentation of the SOPs, he ed to reach the country on announce that Pakistan will further said. The Covid-19 Friday, May 7, sources said. receive 15 million doses of pandemic claimed 79 more Through the COVAX vac- the #COVID vaccine under lives across Pakistan over cine facility, Pakistan has COVAX, with a commitment the previous 24 hours, rais- planned to vaccinate 20% of for these to be delivered by ing the death toll from the its population free of charge, May,” FM Qureshi said in a disease to 18,149. sources said. Last month, tweet.

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