Soon From LAHORE & KARACHI A sister publication of CENTERLINE & DNA News Agency www.islamabadpost.com.pk ISLAMABAD EDITION

IslamabadWednesday, April 01, 2020 Pakistan’s First And OnlyP DiplomaticO Daily STPrice Rs. 20 We ar at war with Media industry’s ICCI demands COVID 19 an nvisible issues to be relief for small enemy: Azeri first VP solved: Firdous businesses Briefs Government FO accepts responsibility launches Doctors ask Covid-19 Nawaz to service on stay in self- of allowing pilgrims WhatsApp isolation “Pakistani government and embassy are in touch with Iranian government on pilgrims issue,” Farooqui added. It may be mentioned here that the matter Mahnoor Ansar of allowing pilgrims from Iran generated heated debate and the opposition parties ISLAMABAD: Gov- DNA ernment has launched had blamed Zulfi Bukhari of granting permission to pilgrims “Coronavirus information ISLAMABAD: A fresh service” on Whatsapp to medical report of for- Iran to enter the country. Qom. “Pakistani government and em- ties had blamed Zulfi Bukhari Ansar M Bhatti In a statement issued on Tues- The spokesperson said that the bassy are in touch with Iranian of granting permission to pil- create awareness and de- mer prime minister liver updates about the Nawaz Sharif has on day, she said that facilities were Pak-Iran border is closed, but government on pilgrims issue,” grims. ISLAMABAD: Foreign Office being improved by Pakistan at it is our responsibility to allow Farooqui added. However Zulfi Bukhar in a state- coronavirus pandemic. Tuesday been submit- According to the Prime ted in an accountabili- Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui the Taftan border, adding that our citizens to enter Pakistan, It may be mentioned here that ment denied this allegation. on Tuesday said that the Min- the thousands of pilgrims were adding that Islamabad and Teh- the matter of allowing pilgrims He in fact has sued Khawja Asif Minister Office, people ty court in Islamabad. can get all coronavirus It has been stated in istry of Foreign Affairs was re- facilitated after the coronavirus ran is working with joint consul- from Iran generated heated for leveling what he termed sponsible to allow pilgrims from outbreak in the Iranian city of tation on the issue of pilgrims. debate and the opposition par- baseless allegation against him. related information on the report that the the latest statistics and erstwhile premier nearest labs by sending has been advised by a message writing ‘Hi’ at doctors to remain in 00923001111166. self-isolation in the NCA contribution The Coronavirus informa- wake of the coronavi- tion service provides in- rus pandemic. to relief fund formation in Urdu and six The report says that regional languages, includ- Nawaz Sharif is likely ing Punjabi, Sindhi, Pash- to get affected by the Farukh Shahzad to, Balochi and Kashmiri. epidemic due to age The confirmed coronavi- factor and he cannot ISLAMABAD: To support national efforts in fight rus cases in Pakistan has be taken to hospital as against COVID-19 , Scientists, Engineers and employees reached 1,865, according well. of National Command Authority (NCA) and Strategic to the National Command Plans Division (SPD) have contributed their salaries in and Control Centre. COVID-19 Relief Fund as under:- According to the report, Pak • Employees of Special Pay Scale 11-14 - 3 days there are 652 cases in Navy to • Employees of Special Pay Scale 8-10 - 2 days Punjab, 625 in Sindh, 221 • Employees of Special Pay Scale 1-7 - 1 day in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, contribute General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff 153 in Balochistan, 58 in Committee contributed one month’s pay in COVID-19 Islamabad, 148 in Gilgit to PM’s Relief Fund. Baltistan and six cases in Azad Kashmir. Fund The number of patients recovered from the virus Remittances to ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan chairs Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. – DNA stands at 57, whereas, 25 DNA Pakistanis lost their lives decrease by & and 11 remain critical in dif- ISLAMABAD: Pakistan PM for ferent hospitals, according Navy has decided to $1-1.5 billion to the national dashboard. contribute to PM’s Re- package Cabinet restores lief Fund for COVID-19. the situation persists any Residents Naval Chief Admiral Adnan Yousaf longer. He said currently to IDPs Zafar Mahmood Abbasi 10,000 to 11,000 house- goods transport face severe will donate one month ISLAMABAD: Policy ex- holds are estimated to be salary to the relief perts at an online Con- directly impacted. DNA a strategy of complete registration of shortage fund. sultation called upon the He said: “there are around ISLAMABAD: Prime DNA Labour class in consultation with all The Vice Admiral, Rear government to facilitate 60,000 people who were Minister Imran Khan on provinces to ensure their social, health of edibles Admiral and officers thousands of overseas in the process of going Tuesday issued direc- ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet, and job security. to the rank of Commo- workers stranded in Pa- abroad for their jobs. We tives to the government which met in Islamabad today (Tues- Special Assistant on Poverty Allevia- dore will donate three kistan due to COVID-19 are trying to negotiate authorities to prepare a day) with Prime Minister Imran Khan tion Dr Sania Nishtar briefed the Cab- DNA days and all other of- pandemic across the with UAE and other coun- relief package for Afghan in the chair, decided to restore food inet about mechanism of cash transfer ficers two days salary world. tries to sustain them in Refugees and internally goods transport in all four provinces worth 150 billion rupees to 12 million ATTOCK: The residents of to the relief fund. The online consultation these testing times.” Displaced People (IDPs) keeping in view prevailing Coronavirus poor families across the country under district facing severe prob- As per details, the titled: ‘Migration/Border He said the bureau will locked inlockdown due to situation. Government's Ehsaas Programme. lems of food shortage due Vice-Admiral, Rear Management during COV- share its 3-month data- Coronavirus epidemic. Briefing the newsmen following the Special Assistant on National Health to Corona Virus lockdown, Admiral and officers ID-19, was organized by base with Overseas Pa- The PM issued directives cabinet meeting, Special Assistant to Services Dr Zafar Mirza informed the the administration only to the rank of Commo- Sustainable Development kistani Foundation and on request of Shehryar the Prime Minister on Information and Federal Cabinet's about government's busy in Photo sessions and dore will donate three Policy Institute here on Benazir Income Support Afridi, Minister Narcotics Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan measures to contain Coronavirus and notifications to control the days’ salary, while all Tuesday. Programme to facilitate Control and Safron during said Prime Minister Imran Khan has decisions taken by National Coordina- situation. other officers will do- Speaking on the occasion, blue color workers. “We the cabinet meeting today. asked Pakistan Rangers to remove all tion Committee on Coronavirus. Due to incompetence and nate two days’ salary to Kashif Ahmed Noor, Di- cannot leave them help- Shehryar Afridi talked to hurdles in smooth flow of food goods Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the Prime the unwillingness of the the relief fund. rector-General, Bureau of less,” he added. a group of media person- transportation across the country. Minister also directed to introduce re- bureaucracy the flour rate Earlier, Chief of Army Emigration and Overseas Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, nel on issues faced by Af- The Federal Cabinet also approved forms in PIA, FBR, and Pakistan Rail- surged to 1200 to 1400 per Staff (COAS) General Pakistanis, said the for- SDPI Executive Director, ghan Refugees and IDPs. Prime Minister's financial stimulus ways and to promote e-governance. 20 Kg. Qamar Jawed Bajwa eign remittances have al- said it’s time to pay back He said around 28 lac package to deal with the adverse im- Terming Sukuk bonds vital for promo- also announced to do- ready halved in these two to the migrant workers refugees are living in 52 pact of the Coronavirus outbreak on the tion of Islamic Banking, Dr Firdous 2100 nate his one month’s months and are expected who would send millions refugee camps all across country's economy. Ashiq Awan said the government has salary in the fight to decrease by $1 billion of dollar remittances to Pakistan, 80% of which The Special Assistant said the Labour decided to issue the bonds for three people against coronavirus. to 1.5 billion per year if Pakistan. consists of daily wagers. Ministry has been directed to prepare years duration. Prime Minister Imran screened Khan on Monday an- nounced the establish- ment of youth force and Munir Faisal public fund during his address to the nation to ATTOCK, MAR 31 (DNA) - fight coronavirus pan- COVID 19: Mehriban Aliyeva says we Health department Attock demic across Pakistan. has so for screened more than 2100 people belong- ing to different areas of are at war with an invisible enemy Attock District , Incharge We are all going through difficult days. The epidemic of coronavirus, a new and Coronavirus Control At- Inside... tock Dr Asif Niazi said this dangerous disease previously unknown to science, has disrupted our usual way of life while talking to this jour- ICCI demands nalist. relief package The modern world has Azerbaijan, like many coun- requires hard work, diffi- doctors, nurses, technical play great personal courage. While giving details he for SMEs and DNA never been faced with tries, has to take emergen- cult and responsible deci- personnel, scientists and And they are passing this said that those screened corporate sector such crises before and cy measures, shut its bor- sions from many people of laboratory assistants. difficult test with dignity. include 1668 persons com- BAKU: First Vice-Pres- has not had to adopt such ders and introduce a strict different professions. They are at the forefront An entire army of our med- ing back from different – Page 02 ident of the Republic of large-scale quarantine quarantine regime. But the most important of the fight against the ical workers has joined the countries and more than Azerbaijan Mehriban measures. The fight against invisi- and most difficult task epidemic. Their up-to-the- fight against the epidemic. Uzbekistan’s 500 hundered suspects Aliyeva has made an In- The coronavirus pandemic ble danger is going on in today is being solved by minute decisions, their Among them are men and Economic with having no travel his- stagram post dedicated is proving to be the most many directions today. It our medical workers, our professional knowledge women, the experienced Reforms: A Story tory. to Azerbaijan’s medical challenging test for the and skills, their dedication and very young, recog- of Inclusive Growth He said that during this workers. modern healthcare sys- and compassion are our nized luminaries and re- and Progress screening exercise 21 per- In a post on her official tem. Even many advanced main weapon and hope. cent graduates of medical sons were found suspects – Page 03 Instagram page, Mehrib- and developed countries These days, we are re- universities, nurses, tech- and were shifted to Isola- an Aliyeva said: “We are cannot cope with it suc- discovering the fact that nicians and orderlies only tions wards in Attock , Pin- Diplo missions all going through difficult cessfully. the medical profession is making their first steps in digheb and Hasanabdal . of Uzbekistan days. The epidemic of These days, the fight called a sacred mission. the profession. After shifting them to iso- support its coronavirus, a new and against coronavirus is al- Indeed, it has always re- They are all saving our fel- lation wards their swabs citizens abroad dangerous disease previ- ready being compared to quired profound knowl- low citizens – those infect- samples were sent to NIH ously unknown to science, war. This is a war indeed, edge and refined skill. ed with the coronavirus and . Dr Asif said that the re- – Back Page has disrupted our usual a war, literally, with an in- But today our medical work- those who have avoided sults of 18 patients were way of life. visible enemy. ers are also required to dis- meeting this deadly danger. found negative. IslamabadPOST 02

METROLITEWednesday, April 01, 2020 CITY BRIEFS Corona testing kits EAP countries must act now verified by to mitigate economic shock of COVID-19: WB report Chinese govt: NDMA APP ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) in its latest APP report urged the East Asia and the Pacific ISLAMABAD: National (EAP) countries to act now to mitigate the eco- Disaster Management Au- nomic shocks of Covid-19, which now caused thority (NDMA) on Tues- a global shock. According to East Asia and Pa- day has confirmed that all cific in the Time of COVID-19, the World Bank’s Coronavirus testing kits April 2020 Economic Update for East Asia and have been verified by the the Pacific, the virus that triggered a supply Chinese government. In shock in China has now caused a global shock. a tweet, NDMA informed It said that the developing economies in East that all the coronavirus Asia and the Pacific (EAP), recovering from testing kits received by trade tensions and struggling with COVID-19, NDMA were coming from now face the prospect of a global financial China via Pakistani Em- shock and recession. Sound macroeconomic bassy. "These kits are policies and prudent financial regulation have certified by the Chinese equipped most EAP countries to deal with nor- government so there is no mal tremors, but an unusual combination of dis- compliance with the unver- ruptive and mutually reinforcing events is being ified kits," it added. witnessed there. Growth in China is projected ISLAMABAD: Senior citizens and women in queue outside a bank to receive Ehsah Program fund at Khana Pul area. – APP to decline to 2.3 percent in the baseline and 0.1 percent in the lower case scenario in 2020, from 6.1 percent in 2019. Containment of the pandemic would allow for a sustained recov- ery in the region, although risks to the outlook ICCI demands relief package from financial market stress would remain high. The COVID-19 shock will also have a serious impact on poverty, the report added. for SMEs and corporate sector Girl students prefer ICCI President appealed to Raza Baqir, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan technical, vocational to consider announcing a relief package for industrial units and education: Study corporate sector to save them from default APP ple and the economy. sue, manufacturing activities have es for their SMEs and corporate Fiaz Chaudhry Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, come to a halt, but industrialists sectors by freezing their install- ISLAMABAD: Majority of the girls students give President, Islamabad Chamber have to pay markup on loans be- ments of loans and markup. preference to get admission in any technical and ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad of Commerce and Industry said sides paying wages to idle labor, He said that SBP should also vocational institution. According to a research Chamber of Commerce and that business community was which was becoming difficult. freeze installments of loans and study conducted by a private organization, the Industry (ICCI) has welcomed fully supportive of the govern- ICCI President appealed to Raza markup for SMEs and corporate trend of technical and vocational education by fe- the federal government’s relief ment’s relief package, however, Baqir, Governor, State Bank of sector at least for 6 months to male students was on rise in the country to avail package announced to cope with he said that the relief package an- Pakistan to consider announcing keep them afloat in these diffi- better job opportunities in future. It said that this the turmoil caused by the out- nounced by the SBP has targeted a relief package for industrial cult circumstances. He hoped trend was prevailing in mainly urban areas due break of coronavirus and hoped retail SMEs while industrial units units and corporate sector to that SBP would give sympathetic to lack of job opportunities for those who spend that it would contribute in miti- and corporate sector have not save them from default. consideration to this proposal in their sixteen years in education but fail to get gating the impact of the current been given due attention. He said that developed countries order to save the economy from any job while on other hand those who get study crisis on the country’s poor peo- He said that due to coronavirus is- have announced bailout packag- falling into further troubles. from technical institutions avail job importunity easily. The study claimed that the perception in girls youth of safe future from technical education compelled them to get admission for two or three Govt year long technical course or six month short Youth role HEC offers Australian course and than start earning for their family. It response said that these days female are more inclined awards scholarships for towards technical education comparatively to urged to to virus other fields so that it could be beneficial for them to be able to do something productive in society challenge working professionals for livelihood for their family. The report said that spread COVID this trend was making a tremendous impact on lauded the empowerment of wom- research, the students the quality of life of women folk. DNA en and girls, agriculture, would be able to develop 19 awareness infrastructure, water secu- the skills and knowledge Shaheen Qureshi ISLAMABAD: The High- rity and inclusive econom- to drive change and help ICTA starts disinfection er Education Commission ic development. build enduring people to Munir Faisal operation in Islamabad ISLAMABAD: Pakistan (HEC) has announced HEC urged the deserving people link with Australia, Economy Watch (PEW) on Australian Awards Schol- professionals to apply for they remarked. ATTOCK: Punjab Minister for Revenue Anwar Tuesday lauded the gov- arships 2021 for Pakistani the opportunity till 30th Australia awards align with APP Khan said that the role of Youth holds key impor- ernment’s response to the working professionals. of April, 2020, they added. the focus of its development ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Capital Territory tance in creating awareness among the masses challenges in the wake of According to the official These scholarships are assistance to Pakistan, Administration (ICTA) started a disinfection op- about Corona Virus epidemic and convincing them coronavirus outbreak. sources from HEC, the prestigious international targeting human resource eration in the areas most affected by Covid-19. to adopt the precautionary measures by utilizing Lauding the approval hefty scholarships have been awards offered by Aus- gaps in identified priority ICT, DC Hamza Shafqaat while talking to APP, the plant forms of social media. relief package by the Eco- offered for working profes- tralian Government to the sectors and enhance awar- said that the Kot Hathiyaal, Kiyani Road, Jan- While talking to a newsman here on Tuesday. nomic Coordination Com- sionals in sectors that sup- next generation of global dees' skills and knowledge jua Town, Torab Town were amongst the areas Minister Anwar Khan said that the nation especial- mittee, it said that the ef- port Pakistan to achieve leaders for development, to contribute to inclusive cleaned on Tuesday. He said that the staff ly youth generation should exhibit discipline and forts of the government to sustainable development the sources added. sustainable economic and of the ICTA and the National Disaster Man- avoid indulging in panic situation. provide relief to the mass- with particularly focus on Through the study and social development. agement Authority (NDMA) participated in the Minister said that collective efforts were needed to es should be redoubled without any delay. cleanup operation, including three fire brigade control the further outspread of the Corona Virus Chairman of PEW Brig. vehicles, 12 water bowers. Moreover, 40 hand and to facilitate the effectees of the pandemic and Transgender community spray machines were used to disinfect small Muhammad Aslam Khan their families. (Retd) said in a statement streets. ICTA has also decided to install 20 san- The Punjab Minister said Youth have a great na- demands help against Covid-19 itising walk-through gates at different prominent that it is very encouraging tional responsibility to play their part and create to note that the govern- locations of the city to control the spread of transgender persons recently. She awareness amongst their relatives, neighbors in ment is in fast-track talks coronavirus. Initially, two such gates would be urged that their community needs sup- order to provide best possible help to wipe out with the different interna- APP installed at Sabzi Mandi, three at Pakistan Sec- port in current pandemic situation so COVID-19. tional institutions to gear retariat, eight at different slums, four at shelter the government should also focus to Anwar Khan appreciated the Prime Minister Imran up for its fight with the ISLAMABAD: The transgender commu- homes and other public places. take care of transgender community. Khan, Federal government and also Chief Minister coronavirus. nity has started an awareness campaign She added that around 35000 trans- Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar efforts to increase The lockdown is taking called "CoronaLetUsLive" with the help genders including 500 transgender Number of COVID-19 a toll on trade, industry, of different organizations, said Trans- resting capacity enable to facilitate every one who people in Islamabad and around 3000 cases reaches 221 in KP and masses who must be gender's rights activist Nayab Ali here on was symptoms of the Coronavirus. Punjab Minis- in Rawalpindi, all of them belong to protected though extraor- Thursday. Talking to APP on Tuesday, she ter said The government has ensured that every vulnerable sector of society thus need- dinary measures including said their community is raising awareness APP Corona Virus patients should go into Quarantined ed awareness and support with regard improved social protection regardless of the fear of COVID-19. and treated well. He said government is taking cor- to their fight against Covid-19 in such PESHAWAR: Adviser to KP chief minister on and healthcare provision, She said, "We have provided 75 Food rective measures to deal with any situation. critical hours, she added. Information, Ajmal Wazir, has said that with the he added. packages, masks etc to our needy confirmation of 29 more cases the total number of coronavirus patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reached to 221. According to a statement issued here on Tuesday, the highest number of cases are registered in Peshawar followed by five in the pilgrims arrived from Taftan and three Masses not benefitted from crashed cases in Dir Lower district. Similarly, one each fresh cases have also been reported in Bajaur, Bannu, D I Khan, Mardan and Mansehra. commodity prices in int’l market No shortage of wheat Likewise, the prices of pulses have also collapsed globally while flour in Attock: DFD prices of different varieties of pulses have increased by . Rs20 to 50 per kg in Pakistan which is unjustified APP relief due to lust for the profits The price of tea has crashed by Shahid Rasheed Butt said that lives to the virus should not be ATTOCKThere is no shortage of wheat flour in DNA by businessmen, said Shahid $230 per tonne with no impact many businessmen have left dubbed as dead but martyrs. Attock as all the 38 flour mills working across Rasheed Butt, former President locally. their employees high and dry He said that media should not the district are being provided wheat as per ISLAMABAD: Black sheep in ICCI. Likewise, the prices of pulses after closure of their businesses be victimised and this important the prescribed quota. A spokesman of District the business community are He said that the profiteers and have also collapsed globally forgetting that their fortunes are sector should also be bailed out. Food Department said this while talking to APP. behind an artificial price hike hoarders are cashing in on de- while prices of different varie- built with the help of these peo- Borders should be totally sealed He said that on daily basis 52000 flour bags which should be dealt with an clining international prices and ties of pulses have increased by ple and that they are inviting the and national unity should be weighing 20 kg each were being supplied to iron hand, a business leader said a surge in demand in Pakistan Rs20 to 50 per kg in Pakistan wrath of Allah Almighty. promoted abandoning politics of Flour Dealers and there was no chance of flour Tuesday. due to coronavirus fears. which is unjustified. Many goods transporters have vendetta. shortage in the near future . While replying The prices of edible oil, pulses, He noted that palm oil prices He said that the businessmen not reduced fares after oil price NAB should try to reclaim lost a question about inflated rates of flour being tea, and many other things have have come down by seventeen who are creating artificial short- reduction which should be no- credibility and avoid polluting charged by Atta Chakee owners he said that crashed in the international mar- dollars per tonne in the interna- ages leading to panic buying ticed as it is stoking inflation the political environment while the reason behind this was that they were pur- ket after pandemic but people tional market but masses in Pa- are enemies of the public who across the country. FBR should improve its attitude, chasing wheat from the open market. in Pakistan have not seen any kistan were not given any relief. should be hanged publically. He said that those who lost their he demanded. Wednesday, April 01, 2020 03 IslamabadPOST Pakistan’s First And Only Diplomatic Daily Thailand’s tourist Editor-in-Chief: Ansar Mahmood Bhatti Virus stoking xenophobia, Deputy Editor: Abid Raza elephants face crisis Vol: 01 Issue: 09 hate and exclusion NDERFED and chained up for endless hours, many Email: [email protected] UN rights expert has warned against exploiting coronavirus- elephants working in Thailand’s tourism sector may starve, Phone: 051-2266165 / 051-2261960 related fears by groups and politicians to scapegoat minorities, U be sold to zoos or be shifted into the illegal logging trade, Off: Awan Plaza, Block 18-A, G-8 Markaz Islamabad A saying it is leading to an alarming rise in verbal and physical campaigners warn, as the coronavirus decimates visitor numbers. abuses against Chinese and other minorities, with some even being Before the virus, life for the kingdom’s estimated 2,000 elephants denied access to health care and information about the pandemic. working in tourism was already stressful, with abusive methods “COVID-19 is not just a health issue; it can also be a virus that exacer- often used to ‘break them’ into giving rides and performing tricks at bates xenophobia, hate and exclusion,” Fernand de Varennes, the UN money-spinning animal shows. Special Rapporteur on minority issues, said in a statement issued on With global travel paralysed the animals are unable to pay their way, in- Monday. He reported that politicians and groups are exploiting fears cluding the 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of food a day a captive elephant surrounding the disease to scapegoat certain communities, leading needs to survive. Elephant camps and conservationists warn hunger and to a rise in violence against them. the threat of renewed exploitation lie ahead, without an urgent bailout. This has included physical attacks against Chinese and other Asians, hate “My boss is doing what he can but we have no money,” Kosin, a mahout speech blaming Roma and Hispanics for the spread of the virus, and calls -- or elephant handler -- says of the Chiang Mai camp where his elephant by some political leaders for migrants to be denied access to medical ser- Ekkasit is living on a restricted diet. Chiang Mai is Thailand’s northern vices.De Varennes said countries need to show that the human rights of tourist hub, an area of rolling hills dotted by elephant camps and sanctu- all people must be protected, particularly the most vulnerable and margin- aries ranging from the exploitative to the humane. alized. “Combatting the epidemic requires tackling its darker sides. Firm The lack of cash is limiting the fibrous food available to the elephants actions by States and all of us to safeguard the human rights of the most “which will have a physical effect”, he added.Wages for the mahouts vulnerable and marginalized, including minorities, indigenous communi- who look after them have dropped by 70 percent.Theerapat fears the ties and migrants, are urgent and necessary”, he stressed.More than 200 creatures could soon be used in illegal logging activities along the countries have reported cases of the new coronavirus disease, which first Thai-Myanmar border -- in breach of a 30-year-old law banning the use emerged in Wuhan, China, last December. There were 638,146 cases glob- of elephants to transport wood. Others “could be forced (to beg) on ally as of Sunday, and more than 30,000 deaths, according to data from the the streets,” he said. World Health Organization (WHO). “The coronavirus outbreak endangers Chinese visitors, who make up the majority of Thailand’s 40 million the health of all of us, with no distinction as to language, religion or eth- tourists, plunged by more than 80 percent in February as China nicity. But some are more vulnerable than others”, said Mr. de Varennes. locked down cities hard-hit by the virus and banned external travel. He urged people everywhere to resist the rise in discriminatory and hate By March, the travel restrictions into Thailand -- which has 1,388 speech against Asian and other minorities by using the hashtag #IAm- confirmed cases of the virus -- had extended to Western countries. NotAVirus on social media.Meanwhile, authorities are being urged to With elephants increasingly malnourished due to the loss of income, consider measures to mitigate COVID-19 risk in places such as prisons, the situation is “at a crisis point,” says Saengduean Chailert, owner immigration detention facilities, closed refugee camps and psychiatric of Elephant Nature Park. institutions. The UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture issued the Her sanctuary for around 80 rescued pachyderms only allows visitors advice on Monday, in a call to protect people deprived of their liberty to observe the creatures, a philosophy at odds with venues that have during the pandemic. “Governments have to take precautionary meas- them performing tricks and offering rides. ures necessary to prevent the spread of infection, and to implement For those restrained by short chains all day, the stress could lead to emergency measures to ensure detainees have access to appropriate fights breaking out, says Saengduean, of camps that can no longer levels of health care and to maintain contact with families and the out- afford medical treatment for the creatures. Calls are mounting for side world”, Sir Malcolm Evans, the Committee Chairperson, said. the government to fund stricken camps to ensure the welfare of ele- Measures include reducing prison populations by allowing early or phants. “We need 1,000 baht a day (about $30) for each elephant,” temporary release of low-risk offenders, and extending the use of bail says Apichet Duangdee, who runs the Elephant Rescue Park. for all but the most serious cases.

Uzbekistan’s Economic Reforms: A Story of Inclusive Growth and Progress

international and foreign financial institutions, uphold- Lt. Col. Khalid TaimurAkram (Retd) ing of prudent external borrowing policy, using foreign investments and loans effectively. Improving Competitiveness through Diversifica- tion of Leading Industries President Mirziyoyev has introduced the structural com- petitiveness of the economy through the deepening of structural reforms, modernization, and diversification of its leading industries. He has made intensive efforts to create a balanced national economy by increasing the share of the services sector and small and mid-size en- high-performance agricultural machinery are prominent sectors. Following the 2017-2021 “National Development terprises (SMEs) in economic structure. President Mir- aspects of the economic reform initiative. Strategy”, the government has drafted the development ziyoyev has carried out an active investment policy aimed Reducing State Presence and Encouraged Small strategy framework of the Republic of Uzbekistan by at modernizing technical and technological renovation of Business and Private Entrepreneurship The success of Uzbekistan’s 2035. In terms of economic development and liberaliza- production, implementation of production, transport-com- The government has taken initiatives to reduce state tion, the Strategy includes five priority directions: munications and social infrastructure projects. presence in the economy and further strengthening the massive efforts to The primary priority aspect is the further strengthening Furthermore, the diversification of industry through protection of rights and priority role for the private prop- modernize its economy of macroeconomic stability and the maintenance of high up-gradation aimed at the development of high-tech-in- erty by encouraging the development of small business rates of economic growth. The second aspect includes dustries, primarily for the production of finished prod- and private entrepreneurship. Certain measures have has relied significantly the upsurge of competitiveness of the national economy ucts with high added value based on deep processing been taken to protect the rights of private property for by deepening structural reforms, and by modernizing of local raw materials, has been implemented dynam- the promotion of private entrepreneurship and small on reforms occurring and diversifying its leading industries. ically. Strong emphases have been given to create a business formation through creating a favorable busi- concurrently in the The third direction is the modernization and intensive competitive environment for industries. The gradual ness environment. Improvement of investment climate, development of agriculture. reduction of the monopoly at commodity and services active attraction to the economy and provinces of foreign sphere of governance The fourth is the continuation of institutional and struc- markets, promotion of production of new types of prod- investment, especially foreign direct investment has also tural reforms aimed at reducing the state’s presence in ucts and technologies, ensuring the competitiveness taken into consideration. The Government aims to trans- HE President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the economy, further strengthening the protection of of domestic products in foreign and local markets have form Uzbekistan into an industrialized, upper-middle-in- His Excellency ShavkatMirziyoyev, has rights and private property, and stimulating the devel- made possible. come country by 2030, for that reason it has announced T declared 2020 the year of science, education, opment of small business and private entrepreneurship. To reduce energy consumption and resource manage- plans to modernize the agriculture sector, reduce its and economic development. In this context, Uzbekistan The fifth feature contains comprehensive and balanced ment, the government has introduced energy-saving ownership of state-owned assets and enterprises, and is implementing ambitious market-oriented economic social and economic development at all levels. technologies and renewable energy sources. The cre- address constraints in the financial markets. reforms. A surge in investment and a pickup in Economic Development and Liberalization ation of new as well as improve the existing free eco- Trade and Tourism Policy: Modernization in Action consumption has boosted GDP growth to 5.5% in 2019 The success of Uzbekistan’s massive efforts to mod- nomic zones, techno-parks, small industrial zones has The success of Uzbekistan’s massive efforts to modern- and is expected to reach 6% in 2020 and 2021, according ernize its economy has relied significantly on reforms comprised in the ambitious strategy. To enhance the ize its economy depends significantly on reforms oc- to International Monitory Fund (IMF). During the year, occurring concurrently in the sphere of governance. All development of the tourism industry and accelerating its curring concurrently in the sphere of governance. The Uzbekistan has raised 26 positions in the 2020 Index of these reforms are interrelated. In 2017, Uzbekistan role and contribution to the economy, the diversification, World Bank took notice of these changes and named Uz- of Economic Freedom and now ranks 114th out of 186. launched an ambitious program of market-oriented re- quality improvement of tourist services, upgrading of bekistan a top reformer in both 2012 and 2015 and a “top Dramatic changes have occurred in Uzbekistan during forms that are unprecedented in the country’s modern tourism infrastructure have been adopted. Liberalization improver” in 2017. Greater openness to trade, foreign ShavkatMirziyoyev’s era. Over just the last two years, history. Following these suggested priority reforms, Uz- and simplification of export activities, diversification of economic relationships, and international investments reforms in Uzbekistan have captured global attention. bekistan is stirring towards a more inclusive, integrated the structure and geography of exports, expansion, and is an important component of President Mirziyoyev’s economy. reform agenda. As part of his new emphasis on foreign Strengthening Macroeconomic Stability and trade and investment, President Mirziyoyev has assigned Economic Growth economic policy a central place in his overall diplomat- The government of Uzbekistan to further strengthen the ic efforts. This extensive diplomatic effort has brought macroeconomic stability and economic growth has draft- about the emergence of new dynamics in Uzbekistan’s ed various measures to acquire desired outcomes. The foreign economic relations which led to increased trade policy has aimed to ensure high growth rates of gross with other Central Asian countries. domestic product through maintaining macroeconomic Uzbekistan has also simplified its visa regimes for approx- balance, the extension of structural and institutional imately 85 countries to promote the tourism industry and reforms through the implementation of medium-term boost its economy in terms of tourism. In the year of 2018 programs. It contains a balanced state budget at all lev- Uzbekistan has received 5.3 million tourists, the export els while maintaining the social orientation of expenses, of tourism services amounted to 1 billion 557 million Several changes have come in the form of legislative acts improving inter-budgetary relations, focusing on raising mobilization of the export potential of industries and dollars. Tourism, which can attract foreign investment, of the Oliy Majlis, Uzbekistan’s parliament. At no other the revenue part of local budgets. Further improvement territories have implemented as well. The development create jobs, and generate income, has been designated a time since Uzbekistan’s establishment as an independ- of monetary policy also includes in the policy reforms of road and transport infrastructure, Information and strategic priority in Uzbekistan’s economic development. ent state have more innovations been introduced, or concerning monetary regulation and ensuring stable cur- communication technologies (ICT), and command and A large-scale economic transformation has occurred in with greater speed. A large-scale economic transforma- rency rates. The Republic of Uzbekistan has maintained control system have been adopted. Uzbekistan which is the manifestation of the sound insti- tion has occurred in Uzbekistan which is the manifesta- policies of reducing tax burden and simplification of the Intensive Development of Agriculture Sector tutional progress apprehended by the Strategy 2017-2021. tion of sound institutional progress and comprehensive tax system, improving tax administration and expanding Uzbekistan has excellent conditions for the development the government has wholly and courageously clinched on implementation mechanism. In February 2017, Uzbeki- the incentive measures. of agriculture, including land, water, favorable climatic to the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development stan adopted a 2017-2021 National Development Strate- In accordance with the implementation of deep struc- conditions, and skilled human resources. Following Goals (SDGs), which are devised to promote growth gy, which has identified five priority areas: tural transformations in the economy, by 2035, gross the reform strategy, the government of Uzbekistan has that is fairer, stronger, and more environmentally sound. 1. Reforms in public administration domestic product (GDP) of the country will grow to $ adopted an inclusive mechanism to achieve rapid devel- These reforms will fabricate a higher-skilled workforce 2. Reform in the judiciary and strengthening 479 billion. Growth is projected to rise to 6 percent in opment of agricultural production, through ensuring and advance companies’ overall performance. In turn, the the rule of law 2021, supported by market reforms to address produc- food security, and expansion of production of eco-friend- amendments will bring much-needed foreign direct invest- 3. Economic development and liberalization tion bottlenecks and liberalize the economy. The reform ly products, which have increased the export potential of ment (FDI) into the country. 4. The social area reforms strategy comprises the concreate actions to stabilize the the agricultural sector. Conclusion 5. Security and foreign policy banking system, the level of capitalization and deposit The government has adopted and encouraged favorable With ongoing reforms and undervalued economic as- Following this strategy, President Mirziyoyev has sig- base of banks and strengthening their financial stability conditions for the development of farms, especially the sets, Uzbekistan presents an attractive opportunity for naled new directions in both foreign economic relations and reliability, expansion of lending to promising invest- multi-disciplinary ones, which have engaged in agricultur- foreign direct investments. The government is creating and domestic economic policy. As a result of these re- ment projects as well as small and medium enterprises. al production and processing, preparation, storage, mar- a set of incentives in agribusiness, energy and tourism forms, Uzbekistan is making progress and numerous The expansion of the volume of insurance, leasing and keting, construction works, and provision of services. sectors, and with a continued course of liberalization, steps have been taken to standardize the lives of ordi- other financial services through the introduction of new The easy and cheap access has given to farmers for Uzbekistan may become a magnet for the investments nary citizens and to make business operative and easier. types of services and improving their quality, develop- gaining modern agriculture equipment,fertilizers, and from different parts of the world, bringing much-needed President Mirziyoyev’s Economic Reform Strategy ment of financial markets as an alternative source of cap- transportation facilities. The improvement in irrigation jobs, management, and technological advancement, and The reform agenda in the economic sphere, just as in ital attraction and investment by enterprises are includ- facilities, widespread guidance for agricultural produc- ultimately prosperity for the citizens of Uzbekistan. other spheres, has been comprehensive and very ambi- ed in the reforms charter. The government has focused tion through intensive methods, especially modern wa- The writer is Executive Director, Center for tious, and well-articulated in multiple public and private on expanding international cooperation with leading ter and resource-saving agricultural technologies, using Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad Islamabad WEDNESDAY, APRIL 01, 2020 | P WWW.ISLAMABADPOST.COM.PKOST Briefs Fawad Diplo missions of Uzbekistan demands ‘We treated diagnostic kits verification like animals support its citizens abroad APP Under the current difficult conditions, both for employees of diplomatic missions APP ISLAMABAD: Minister and for our fellow citizens abroad, it is important, not aggravating the situation, to make the best for Science and Technol- ISLAMABAD: In Indi- possible decisions that do not contradict the laws of foreign countries, as well as common sense ogy Fawad Chaudhary an Occupied Kashmir, emphasized on Tuesday the family members of that diagnostic kits and ational headquarters estab- these countries. issue of extending the pe- Tangmarg resident, who equipments must be DNA lished during the diplomat- In order to quickly resolve riod of temporary stay and passed away on Monday, verified by concerned ic missions of Uzbekistan issues of visa extension labor patents of our com- have said that they are departments to protect TASHKENT: As previ- are taking active measures for citizens of Uzbekistan patriots in Russia with- treated like animals at precious lives. ously reported, on the to protect the interests of temporarily residing in out leaving the country, Chest Diseases Hospi- Talking to a private instructions of the Pres- our citizens abroad. the United States, the worked with the relevant tal, Srinagar. news channel he said ident of the Republic of Currently, for citizens of Embassy of our country is Russian ministries and de- Riyaz Ahmad Sofi, son of the issue of diagnos- Uzbekistan, a special Uzbekistan located in a actively negotiating with partments on the subject the deceased Tangmarg tic kits being wrongly Republican commission number of foreign coun- the State Department and of not evicting Uzbek stu- resident, told media that tested by the laborato- to prepare a program of tries, issues of extending American lawyers in the dents from hostels of Rus- they were treated like ries was viral on social measures to prevent the the legal period of stay field of immigration. At sian universities despite animals at CD Hospital media, healthy were spread of coronavirus in have already been re- the same time, our diplo- the quarantine measures. and neglected by the pronounced corona car- the country in order to solved. matic missions (Embassy Under the current diffi- doctors and paramedic riers and positive with ensure sanitary and ep- So, for Uzbeks who can- son for the impossibility terms of the permitted in Washington and the cult conditions, both for staff, Kashmir Media the novel virus were idemiological welfare of not leave the UK due to of leaving the UK (for ex- stay of our citizens who Consulate General in New employees of diplomatic Service reported. declared perfectly neg- the population decided to travel restrictions and ample, border closure). A are in Turkey and cannot York) are in constant con- missions and for our fellow Sofi said on March 28, ative, while adding he completely stop air traffic who expire to stay in the confirmation of receipt of leave for Uzbekistan. tact with the diaspora or- citizens abroad, it is impor- his father was referred said, which was a dan- and suspend all airports country, the visa will be the request will be sent to In order to quickly resolve ganizations of Uzbeks and tant, not aggravating the to CD Hospital from the gerous sign. of Uzbekistan from 00:01 extended until 31 May the applicant and informa- issues of visa extension community activists in the situation, to make the best SMHS Hospital. ''Before corona spread hours on 30 March 2020 2020. To extend the visa, tion on visa extension will for citizens of Uzbeki- USA and Canada to identi- possible decisions that do “Without any protective only China was manu- to 00:01 hours on 20 April they need to contact the be provided. In addition, stan temporarily staying fy the facts of the possible not contradict the laws of gear, we were asked to facturing testing kits 2020. immigration service by by 31 May, you can also in Belgium, the Nether- infection of our compatri- foreign countries, as well go inside the corona- but now everyone is However, this does not e-mail CIH@homeoffice. apply online for a long-stay lands, Luxembourg and ots with coronavirus and as common sense. By act- virus ward for setting claiming to make or mean that citizens of the gov.uk and provide the permit while in the UK. Denmark, the Operation- timely provision of practi- ing together and support- nebulizer to provide donating thousands di- Republic of Uzbekistan necessary information The diplomatic missions al Headquarters at the cal assistance to them. ing each other, the Uzbeks medicines to the pa- agnostic kits,moreover who are abroad will be about themselves (full of Uzbekistan in Turkey Embassy of Uzbekistan The operational headquar- will be able to overcome all tient,” he said and add- those unverified kits are left without the support of name, citizenship, num- are closely cooperating in Brussels (Belgium) is ters at the Embassy of the the difficulties that people ed that they visited the being provided to labs as their state. In the current ber of the previous visa) with local authorities on in constant contact with Republic of Uzbekistan in around the world are expe- ward 5-6 times without well,'' he mentioned. difficult situation, the oper- and briefly explain the rea- the issue of extending the the migration services of Moscow worked out the riencing now. any protective gear. “He died due to medical negligence as he was not treated well at the hospital,” Sofi said.. The Addressing media family of the deceased has been put in quaran- tine in Baramulla where industry's issues their test reports are awaited. Opposition Govt priority: Firdous responsible journalism, fight against Coronavirus. should APP she said. The well-being of journal- play role The SAPM said that free- ists and media workers ISLAMABAD: Special As- dom of media and democ- was one of our priori- to defeat sistant to the Prime Min- racy were interlinked. ties, she emphasised. A ister on Information and The delegation discussed separate meeting will be corona Broadcasting Dr Firdous a special relief package convened to address the Ashiq Awan has said that for the media in the con- issues of newspaper hawk- addressing issues related to text of the problems be- ers, she added. APP the media industry was top ing faced by the media The SAPM appreciated priority of the government. industry and the challenge Secretary Information Ak- LAHORE: Provincial Min- She was talking to a del- of coronavirus with the bar Durrani for running ister for Information and egation of All Pakistan Special Assistant. Firdous the affairs of the ministry Culture Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Newspapers Society, said that Prime Minister in a smooth and profes- People stand in queue to enter a Bank. – Chohan said on Tuesday Council of Pakistan News- Imran Khan has issued sional manner. ISLAMABAD: Khurshid Nadeem that as soon Shehbaz papers Editors and Paki- clear instructions for pay- Khushnood Ali Khan, Me- Sharif returned from Lon- stan Broadcasters Associ- ment of outstanding dues htab Khan, Sarfar KHAN don, it was expected that ation here late night. of media houses. She said Niazi, Duraid Khan, Mo- S Waziristan he would play a positive Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf steps were being taken to hsin Bilal Khan, Khawar FM speaks to OIC Secretary role in fighting out dread- government firmly be- ensure that there should Ghumman, Akhtar Waqar starts supply ful coronavirus but he as lieved in the fundamental be no delay in this regard. Azeem and Tikka Khan at- General about COVID-19, usual continue to object democratic right of free- Appreciating the media's tended the meeting. of flour every anti-corona meas- dom of expression and it performance at this time Principal Information Of- ure by the government. would continue to provide of pandemic, she said jour- ficer Tahir Hassan was developments in IOJ&K all possible facilities for nalists and media workers also present on the occa- APP In a press statement, he and developments in the and targeted killings of the promotion of free and were playing a role in the sion. said that instead of giving ISLAMABAD: District APP Indian Occupied Jammu Muslims in New Delhi in a positive input in govern- Administration of South and Kashmir (IOJ&K). February 2020. ment’s strategy to cope Waziristan has started ISLAMABAD: Foreign The Foreign Minister With regard to IOJ&K, with the virus, unfortu- Wuhan sees second newborn supply of subsidized flour Minister Makhdoom further underscored the Foreign Minister nately, the opposition was to locals at their doorstep Shah Mahmood Qureshi that, as already called for highlighted that contin- criticizing the government from various flour mills on Tuesday stressed by Prime Minister Imran ued restrictions on com- steps against coronavi- Pakistani baby girl located within the tribal that the Covid-19 posed Khan, the current crisis munication and move- rus and even resorting to food and other stuff at their door in this district. a grave challenge to the made for a compelling ment in IOJ&K were poisonous propaganda at APP crucial time. Deputy Commission- entire humanity, includ- case for debt relief and preventing unfettered a time when the nation "Special thanks to local foreign affairs er South Waziristan ing OIC member States, restructuring for devel- supply of medicines and needed more care, safety BEIJING: The second Pakistani female office and community that they facili- Hameedullah Khan said in and endorsed the OIC oping States, as a means other essentials, as well and encouragement, and citizen gave birth to a healthy baby-girl, tated me for my wife routine checkup, a statement that owing to Secretary General’s call to enable them to divert as dissemination of infor- “I think, such approach of on Friday at Maternity and Child counseling with hospital and provide lockdown and social dis- on Members to bring resources to save lives mation needed to combat the opposition in this trib- Healthcare Hospital of Hubei Province transportation. They also facilitated me tancing, “we have start- together governments, and shore up economies. the disease. ulation is more dangerous in Wuhan. in baby shopping when there was virtu- ed supply of subsidized scientists and research The OIC, together with In this context, he noted than COVID-19 itself.” Ashaq Ali, a doctoral student in Virol- ally no possibility," Ashaq stated. flour to locals at their institutions to contribute the Islamic Development the significant number ogy at the Institute of Virology Wuhan He said that as a field expert he had doorsteps in all the three to efforts for finding solu- Bank, needed to play an of coronavirus affected University, the father of the newborn learned a lot from China, Chinese ap- subdivisions of South tion. effective role in helping persons and two deaths G20 daughter beamed with happiness while proaches towards disasters like the Waziristan”. He said that The Foreign Minister members cope with the reported in IOJ&K. ministers to holding her daughter in his arms at the Covid-19 and indeed China sets an that ADC Faheedullah had a telephone conver- challenges. The Foreign Minister hospital. example around the globe, the world Khan had been deputed sation with Secretary The Foreign Minister highlighted concerns hold virtual Talking to China Economic Net, Ashaq needs to follow the footprints of China to check flour availability General OIC, Dr. Yousef highlighted the implica- regarding the possibili- talks Ali said that he and his spouse cannot how to combat this pandemic. in the mills. A. Al-Othaimeen and the tions of the rising wave ty of spread of Covid-19 ignore the role of the local community "I am the only Pakistani who worked The official said the area exchange covered the sit- of “Hindutva ideology” among the large number that provided them pick and drop ser- throughout this pandemic in my lab at had been locked down for uation arising out of pan- in India, as reflected in of Kashmiri youth incar- APP vices to the hospitals and deliver them Wuhan Institute of Virology". the last eight days. demic, OIC’s responses, the systematic violence cerated by India.

RIYADH: Finance minis- ters and central bankers of the Group of 20 major economies will hold a sec- Chinese ond round of virtual talks HEC, WB invited research proposals to address COVID-19 Tuesday to push ahead Group the coronavirus response, The RAAPID research and innovation initiative will support applied research, product the Saudi hosts said. innovation and development, and commercialization of potential solutions. donates G20 leaders last week APID Research Grants will support ideas for applied research face masks pledged a “united front” in the fight against the to benefit from this lucrative imum funds per proposals RAPID Technology Transfer pandemic, saying they Adnan Yousaf offer supported by the Bank by would be Rs 7.5 million and Grants was intended for sup- were injecting $5 trillion actively taking part in HEC’s the maximum period for this porting research needed to DNA into the global economy ISLAMABAD: Higher Educa- RAPID Research and Innova- research would be 6 months assist the private sector to pro- to head off forecasts of a tion Commission (HEC), with tion Initiative and submit their whereas under RAPID inno- vide solutions. LAHORE: Chinese Energy deep recession. assistance of the World Bank proposals by the deadline of vation Seed Fund, maximum Whereas RAPID innovation Engineer Group "Jiangsu Saudi Arabia, which holds has invited universities, tech- April 03, 2020. fund per proposal would be Rs seed fund was also intended to Power Design Institute the group’s rotating pres- nologists, and researchers to The amount of funding for each 5 million and maximum period support innovation in commer- Company Limited" has do- idency, said the ministers submit research and innova- proposal will depend in its na- of research would be 6 months. cializing their ideas. nated 10,000 Medical Face and bank governors will tion proposals that could help ture and proposed duration as The RAAPID research and in- The specific themes include, In- Mask for NTDC Employees convene for the second address the challenges created well as the approved budget, novation initiative will support fectious Diseases Surveillance to keep them safe / pro- time to “advance a coordi- by the Coronavirus pandemic. but will not exceed the maxi- applied research, product inno- Systems using Al and Big Data, tected from novel Corona nated global response to Country Director World Bank mum amounts offered in each vation and development, and Analysis of success and weak- Virus while performing the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan, Illango Patcha- category. research period would not ex- commercialization of poten- ness of alternative epidemic their duties. In this regard a and its human and eco- muthu, in a tweet, on Tuesday Maximum fund per proposal ceed by 12 months. tial solutions. APID Research control measures, disease epi- three-member Chinese del- nomic implications”. asked the researchers, univer- under RAPID Research Grant Similarly, under RAPID Tech- Grants will support ideas for demiological modeling, immune egation led by Mr Xia Zhi- sities and all other concerned would be Rs 15 million and the nology Transfer Grant, max- applied research. patterns of COVID-19. hao visited NTDC House.

Published by Ansar Mahmood Bhatti, Printed at Rohani Art Press, Islamabad