DailyWorld News - The First International Newspaper From India https://dailyworld.in/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 22:02:51 +0530 en https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/shehbaz-may-be-flailing-for-a-solution-but-does-imran-know-any-better-403070.html By Hamza Ameer Islamabad Feb 26 Since his ouster from power former Pakistan Prime Minister and PTI chief Imran Khan has been holding the Shehbaz Sharif government responsible for the economic crisis facing the county and claiming that only he can bail out the country However the big question is whether Khan has any plan for revival of the cashstrapped country Khan has been addressing his supporters detailing how his government was doing better in terms of financial policy makings and economic growth of the country Khan claimed that the Shehbaz Sharif government plunged the country into severe economic crisis and is leading it towards a complete financial blackout However analyst say that Khans way out to the current financial crisis in the country is directly linked with his reinstatement as the countrys prime minister that also with a twothird majority which he claims would bring political stability to the country and get it out of political uncertainty which impacts the financial uncertainty prevailing in the financial market and in the eyes of the international donors and lenders in relations to Pakistan Khan has repeatedly reiterated his demands of holding early general elections in the country to bring about political stability which he has insisted is the prime basis on which the country will pave the way towards financial stability While what Khan demands seems one probable and suited way to have clarity into Pakistans ruling power center which should have a government in office for at least fiveyears and which should take officer through an election and be and elected one representative of the masses many believe that the Khans demand is preconditioned with the prime demand that he should be brought back to power through early elections a demand which is attached with a threat of spreading political unrest in the country Imran Khan demands that he should be brought back to power by the military establishment who he accuses were the ones who ousted him from power and supported his political rivals to gang up against him stated Adnan Shauqat a political analyst Imran Khan in the same breath also says that if he is not brought into power with a twothird majority the country will plunge further into miseries economic crisis and political chaos which in itself is a threat We see today since Imran Khan was ousted from office he has done anything and everything to malign the military establishment reach out to global powers and lenders to not give money to Pakistan call on IMF to not revive the crucial funding programme and even arranged for rallies outside the UN office demanding countries not to fund Pakistan for floodrelief as well he added Khan has also stated that if political stability through early general elections is not achieved the financial situation in the country will continue to worsen and would come at a stage where no one would be able to run the country And it would not be wrong that the current economic state of the country coupled with political chaos is most certainly moving Pakistan towards bankruptcy Unfortunately no political party in power or in opposition seems to have a plan to keep the sinking economic ship of the country afloat IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/shehbaz-may-be-flailing-for-a-solution-but-does-imran-know-any-better-403070.html Sun, 26 Feb 2023 15:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/a-lament-tells-it-all-in-pakistan-human-life-is-cheaper-than-a-bag-of-atta-403073.html By Hamza Ameer Islamabad Feb 26 Pakistans economic conditions which fell from bad to worse and seems to be on coarse towards becoming a disaster have had a massive negative impact on the lives of the common man who is facing the worst possible outpour of governments increased taxes inflation and is also being affected by massive joblessness triggered due to closure of many industries in the country As the International Monetary Fund IMF stands rigid on its preconditions to Pakistan on tax reforms the government seems to be looking towards the already stressed masses to bear the brunt of the reform implementations by increasing prices of gas electricity petroleum products and taxes on basic commodities This is being done at a time when the countrys industrial sector is deteriorating due to the closure of imports and Lease Credit LC forcing many multinational and national manufacturers to shut their plants in the country and lay off thousands of employees At the moment inflation in Pakistan is hovering around 275 per cent and if it can be seen in parallel to widespread closure of various sectors causing an increase in poverty and starvation it will not be difficult to realize that the life of a common man has become almost impossible to manage I used to be a permanent employee of an MNC multinational company with at least 16000 employees in Pakistan But due to the ban on imports by the government the company had to shrink its operations and has laid off at least 30 per cent of its staff said a former employee When you fall from a stable MNC job to being jobless that also at a time when even drinking water is getting beyond the buying reach of a common man when everything from fuel to gas to basic eatables have become expensive when a normal house holds monthly expense has increased by at least 40 to 50 per cent where there are no jobs in the market as the markets are shutting down what do you do How do you survive he queried In Pakistan this tagline has become a common word of mouth Pakistan mein aata mehenga hai aur jaan sasti which means human life in Pakistan has become cheaper than flour This most certainly highlights the dire and devastating affect inflation new taxes and price hikes have had on the lives of the masses who are not only suffering to increased inflation but are also losing hopes of survival due to joblessness poverty and starvation IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/a-lament-tells-it-all-in-pakistan-human-life-is-cheaper-than-a-bag-of-atta-403073.html Sun, 26 Feb 2023 15:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/with-imf-not-amused-shehbaz-pushes-austerity-to-avert-economic-tsunami-403077.html By Hamza Ameer Islamabad Feb 26 After being widely criticised for plunging the masses into a dangerous wave of inflation price hikes and taxes Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifled Pakistan coalition government has now come up with an austerity plan to avert the economic meltdown aiming to save the government over Rs 200 billion per annum In a latest Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked all of his ministers and advisers to relinquish their salaries benefits and luxury cars and to fly economy class to help the government save millions of rupees to avert the loomimng economic meltdown threats the country is facing The step comes amid the Shehbaz Sharif government doing anything and everything to resume the stalled Extended Funding Programme EFF of the International Monetary Fund IMF to secure funds worth 11 billion which will be provided after approval of the ninth review of the IMF plan for Pakistan The IMF deal settlement and resumption is in its final stages We have had to impose new taxes introduce minibudget and increase prices to meet their demands This has been done with a very heavy heart because this deal was not done by our government It was done by Imran Khan and we are now forced to comply with it and fulfil all of its shortcomings said Shehbaz Sharif while announcing the governments austerity plan It is in the same line that fresh austerity drive to cut expenditures is being introduced to stave off an economic meltdown and meet the countrys balance of payments crisis This comes at a time when Pakistans central bank the State Bank of Pakistans foreign exchange reserves are already reeling before a threeweek import cover while the inflation maintains its consistency at high levels Farreaching results of these measures will come to the fore We will save around Rs 200 billion due to such measures Although these measures would not give any significant relief to already inflationhit people they would give them a sense that the government realised their pain and agony said premier Shehbaz Sharif As per the austerity plan the size of the cabinet will be reduced which currently is one of the biggest in the countrys history with 85 members which includes 34 federal ministers seven ministers of state four advisors and at least 40 special assistants to the Prime Minister It has also been decided that all federal cabinet ministers advisers and special assistants would not take salaries and will also pay their utility bills from their own pockets Moreover the members will also return all luxury vehicles which would later be auctioned and that the members would fly in economy class air tickets during their domestic and foreign trips during which assisting staff will no longer be accompanying them All government offices would be opened at 730 am to save electricity and gas while import of luxury items and official vehicles will be banned a government official would be able to own only one official plot foreign visits will be filtered and minimised and online zoom meetings will be preferred cabinet members would not stay in 5star hotels big houses allotted to government officials will be recovered and sold and the government will also implement a 15 per cent cut in expenses of government institutions while the armed forces will also reduce noncombat expenditures Shehbaz Sharif also called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan CJP Chief Justices of High Courts and other courts of all provinces chief ministers of provinces to implement similar measures to help the country come out of its prevailing economic crisis It is pertinent to mention that the latest austerity measures announced by the government do not have a very positive history of implementation in the past The government earlier announced similar measures for market closure timings and other steps which were notified but were not implemented However this time the government seems resolute to ensure implementation of its directives to help the country avoid a financial and economic meltdown IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/with-imf-not-amused-shehbaz-pushes-austerity-to-avert-economic-tsunami-403077.html Sun, 26 Feb 2023 15:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/as-terror-outfits-run-amok-funding-squeeze-hits-pak-counter-terrorism-plan-403080.html By Hamza Ameer Islamabad Feb 26 Pakistans dismal economic condition and its struggle to meet the demands of the International Monetary Fund OMF imposing taxes increasing rate of inflation and snowballing petroleum prices have not only forced the Shehbaz Sharifled government to introduce an austerity drive but have also affected the capability and capacity of the military establishment to launch a counterterrorism offensive The countrys military establishment has been asked by the government to provide a plan on how they can cut their noncombat expenditure given the nature of the severe economic crisis Experts say that while terrorism and groups like the TehreekeTaliban Pakistan TTP and others continue to carry out coordinated attacks in different parts of the country the military establishment is not in a position to launch a counterterrorism offensive which can be allocated with enough financial assistance to sustain it It would also not be wrong to maintain that terror groups who are reorganising in different parts of the country are also aware that they have the leverage time and space as the military establishment may keep itself limited to IBOs Intelligence Based Operations or small scaled offensives due to its bad financial conditions In view of the current situation of the country experts believe that launching a military offensive may just not be possible for the military establishment Pakistans armed forces and its intelligence agencies are well aware of the countrys financial situation And they would not find themselves in a position to launch operations like ZarbeAzb and Raddul Fasad to root out terrorists from its soil said senior analyst Javed Siddique And the fact that Pakistans financial problems hinder the way of an allout counterterrorism operation by the armed forces our neighboring Afghanistan and the Taliban regime there along with the Pakistani Taliban can continue to enjoy each others support and try to make full use of this vulnerable financial condition of the country he added However other military experts say that the resurgence of terrorism in the country does not need an allout offensive and can be tackled through small scale operations as the militant groups have not yet been able to establishment themselves inside Pakistan and are using various sleeper cells for coordination and implementation of their terror plans Pakistan armed forces have foiled tons of terror attack attempts nabbed hundreds of TTP militants through ongoing IBOs Intelligence Based Operations and would continue to do so in the coming days as well said an official with knowledge of the ongoing military operations We are well aware of our limitations and are also aware that Pakistans financial condition is not normal But we should not forget that these financial gaps should not allow terrorism to prosper and the armed forces are doing everything to ensure that terrorists do not get a single easy breath on Pakistani soil IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/as-terror-outfits-run-amok-funding-squeeze-hits-pak-counter-terrorism-plan-403080.html Sun, 26 Feb 2023 16:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/adb-approves-603mn-to-boost-paks-social-protection-programmes-178947.html Islamabad Dec 9 The Asian Development Bank ADB said that it has approved a 603 million resultsbased lending programme to strengthen and expand social protection programs in Pakistan The programme will support the implementation of Ehsaas program Pakistans national social protection and poverty reduction strategy the ADB said in a statement It added that under the Integrated Social Protection Development Programme the ADB will provide loan of 600 million and 3 million grant from the Asian Development Fund reports Xinhua news agency The ADB will also administer a 24 million grant to Pakistan from the Education Above All Foundation The programme supports the Ehsaas goal of expanding cash transfers to improve access to primary and secondary education up to class 10 for children and adolescents of poor families especially girls and enhancing health services and nutrition for women adolescent girls and poor children according to the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/adb-approves-603mn-to-boost-paks-social-protection-programmes-178947.html Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/terror-plot-foiled-in-balochistan-178532.html Islamabad Dec 7 A terror plot was foiled in Pakistans Balochistan province after the police defused a bomb in a busy area a top official said The counterterrorism department of police received an intelligence tipoff regarding the terrorist plan to launch an attack near the deputy commissioners office in Gwadar police officer Tariq Mastoi told Xinhua news agency Two terrorists parked a motorbike with explosives hidden in its speaker box outside the office and were trying to flee when police busted them he added Mastoi said the terrorists were planning to explode the improvised explosive device hidden inside with remote control but failed due to the vigilance of law enforcement agencies He did not reveal the identity of the militants who were shifted to an unknown location for investigation Meanwhile sources from paramilitary troops Levies told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that personnel from both police and the troops cordoned off the area and security has been beefed up in the district IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/terror-plot-foiled-in-balochistan-178532.html Wed, 08 Dec 2021 04:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/comprehensive-efforts-needed-to-tackle-looming-water-scarcity-in-pak-178539.html Islamabad Dec 7 Pakistan President Arif Alvi said that sustained comprehensive efforts were required at the national level to tackle the looming threat of water scarcity and ensuing food insecurity in the country Climate change is the key factor affecting the reliability of water resources across the globe and raising concerns about the future of water availability and food security in countries including Pakistan the President said while addressing a conference on water management There is a serious threat of water scarcity in Pakistan by 2035 owing to the countrys increasing vulnerability to climate change Xinhua news agency quoted Alvi as saying He added that several areas of Pakistan have already started facing increased water scarcity with a critical need for climate adaptation in the water sector The President said that urgent actions are required for the management of water resources and improved system of water conservation at the national and local levels The Pakistan government has made solid progress in achieving key principles defined under the National Water Policy and called for an integrated approach among provinces for its complete implementation To address the issue of water management Alvi emphasised on the practices to reduce water consumption including drip irrigation water recycling and reallocating water for more valuable uses IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/comprehensive-efforts-needed-to-tackle-looming-water-scarcity-in-pak-178539.html Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/enforced-disappearances-in-pak-judge-shouted-berated-families-with-harsh-language-174896.html By Sanjeev Sharma New Delhi Nov 23 Families of disappeared people in Pakistan reported that their efforts to compel authorities to return their loved ones through the courts were unsuccessful a report by Amnesty International said Although cases have been documented as far back as the mid1980s the practice has been routinely used by Pakistans intelligence services since the inception of the socalled War on Terror in 2001 to target human rights defenders political activists students and journalists with the fate of hundreds of victims still unknown the report said As per the report Ali Imtiaz said that when summoned by the court no one from the intelligence agencies or authorities appeared in court In cases when the authorities did appear in court they would still not provide answers for the families Sammi Baloch recounted that when the authorities appeared before the court they claimed her father had travelled to Afghanistan to train as a separatist but they could not show any evidence to substantiate these claims Unfortunately these allegations and unsubstantiated claims are not limited to the authorities two people Amnesty International spoke to described facing such unsubstantiated claims and allegations from the judges hearing their cases One person reported that the judge suggested her husband had run away and not disappeared the report said Shabana Majeed described a scene where she was in a court hearing with other families of the disappeared begging a judge for answers and justice about their missing loved ones and the judge responded by shouting and berating the families with harsh language The report said people who access the justice system must be treated in a free fair and impartial manner the conduct of the judge in this instance is a violation of this right The lack of progress in these cases where families of the disappeared are treated without empathy or humanity is indicative of the difficulties surrounding cases of enforced disappearances and the struggles of families who are fighting for information and justice for their missing loved ones In 2011 on the orders of the Pakistan Supreme Court the Pakistan Ministry of Interior set up the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances COIED The mandate of this commission is to trace the location of a disappeared person find out who is responsible whether State individual or institution ensure an FIR is registered and recommend standard operating procedures to law enforcement and intelligence agencies According to the COIEDs monthly report for September 2021 it has received 8122 cases since its inception of which 2274 remain unresolved In September 2021 the Commission disposed of 27 cases where 24 people had been traced 13 returned home six were confined in internment centres five were confined in jail and three were deemed not to be cases of enforced disappearance Civil society and families of the disappeared who have no representation on the COIED have criticized the commission for not using the powers vested in it to investigate cases of enforced disappearances or bring those suspected of criminal responsibility to justice In 2020 the International Commission of Jurists stated that in nine years of operation the COIED had not held a single perpetrator of an enforced disappearance accountable for the crime 50 Families of the disappeared who spoke to Amnesty International reported that after multiple hearings those whose cases were before the COIED have received no answers or justice All of the families whose cases were before the COIED and who spoke to Amnesty International are still waiting for any information about their loved ones in some instances years after proceedings were instigated through the COIED Sanjeev Sharma can be reached at Sanjeevsiansin IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/enforced-disappearances-in-pak-judge-shouted-berated-families-with-harsh-language-174896.html Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/7-injured-as-blast-hits-police-vehicle-in-pak-172563.html Islamabad Nov 14 At least seven people including two policemen were injured in a blast in Pakistans Quetta city police said A police van was passing by when the explosion occurred in the Nawa Killi area of Quetta the capital of the Balochistan province an official told Xinhua news agency The bomb weighing around 45 kg was fixed on a motorcycle parked on the road and was detonated by remote control device by the miscreants he said Following the blast security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital Security forces condoned off the area and started a search operation No group or individual has claimed the attack yet IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/7-injured-as-blast-hits-police-vehicle-in-pak-172563.html Mon, 15 Nov 2021 08:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-pakistani-soldiers-killed-in-anti-terror-ops-172579.html Islamabad Nov 14 Three soldiers were killed in separate antiterror operations in Pakistan an army statement said Pakistani security forces conducted an intelligencebased operation about presence of externally supported terrorists in Hoshab area of the southwest Balochistan province the militarys media wing said in the statement On being surrounded by the security forces an engagement ensued in which terrorists suffered heavy losses Xinhua news agency quoted the statement released by the InterServices Public Relations as saying It adding that two soldiers were killed in the clash In a separate incident another soldier was killed while clearing an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists along a route frequented by civilians said the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-pakistani-soldiers-killed-in-anti-terror-ops-172579.html Mon, 15 Nov 2021 10:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/terror-bid-foiled-in-pak-militant-arrested-police-172082.html Islamabad Nov 12 Pakistani law enforcement agencies have foiled a terror bid and arrested a militant affiliated to a banned outfit in Quetta city police said The militant was arrested during a targeted operation based on an intelligence tipoff at a hideout in the Sariab area of Quetta the capital of Balochistan province Xinhua news agency quoted the police as saying The police said that a search operation was also been launched in the area to look for any accomplice of the arrested terrorist Police personnel also seized explosives arms and other sensitive materials from the terrorists possession The militant was shifted to an undisclosed location for further interrogation shortly after the arrest A case has also been registered against him according to the police officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/terror-bid-foiled-in-pak-militant-arrested-police-172082.html Sat, 13 Nov 2021 11:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-calls-on-india-to-reopen-kartarpur-corridor-for-pilgrims-171763.html By Hamza Ameer Islamabad Nov 10 The Pakistan government has called on India to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor and allow pilgrims to cross over into Pakistan on the occasion of Guru Nanak Devs birth aniiversary celebrations from November 17 to 26 Marking the second anniversary of the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor Pakistan has expressed hope that India would allow pilgrims to travel through the corridor in the spirit of cooperation In the upcoming Guru Nanaks birth anniversary celebrations from November 1726 we look forward to hosting devotees from India and around the world read a statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office In the last two years the corridor has not only fulfilled the earnest desire of the Sikh community around the world for easy access to the revered site but is also reflective of the primacy that Pakistan accords to all religious minorities in the country The corridor has opened new vistas for the promotion of interfaith harmony the statement added It also reminded that the Kartarpur Corridor was described by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres as the Corridor of Hope during his visit to Kartarpur Sahib in February 2020 Pakistan has also criticised India for refraining from opening the corridor despite reopening and resumption of international travels all over the world and opening of all religious places in the country The Kartarpur Corridor was reopened on June 29 2020 under the Covid related protocols after its temporary closure due to the pandemic on March 16 2020 India despite resumption of international travel all over the world and opening of all religious places in that country and repeated calls by the Sikh community is yet to open the corridor from its side and allow pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib the statement read Pakistan has also highlighted that the magnificent newlybuilt Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur complex is a gift by the people of Pakistan and their leadership to the Sikh community in India and worldwide Two years ago on this day the Kartarpur Corridor was inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan on the event of the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak read the statement As per details Pakistan is willing to allow at least 3000 devotees from across the world to participate in the upcoming birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak and it is looking forward to India to reciprocate its offer with the same cooperation IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-calls-on-india-to-reopen-kartarpur-corridor-for-pilgrims-171763.html Fri, 12 Nov 2021 00:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/iran-pak-agree-to-raise-mutual-trade-to-5bn-by-2023-170647.html Tehran Nov 7 Iran and Pakistan have agreed to increase their mutual trade to 5 billion by 2023 Iranian Minister of Industry Mines and Trade Reza Fatemi Amin said Iran is ready to remove trade barriers with Pakistan to improve economic relations between the two countries Fatemi Amin said at the 9th meeting of the IranPakistan Joint Trade Committee in Tehran He said both countries stressed the need for a precise plan that facilitates investment in Iran for Pakistani entrepreneurs Two offices will be established with the mission of fixing difficulties in trade between Iran and Pakistan and Iran expects the task to be achieved within three months the Minister added Also within three months he noted free trade arrangements agreed by the two countries will be implemented Abdul Razak Dawood advisor to the Pakistani Prime Minister for commerce and investment attended the committee meeting in Tehran and voiced his satisfaction over the attained results Dawood conveyed Prime Minister Imran Khan intention of developing Pakistans trade in the region especially with Iran and voiced optimism over the prospects of economic cooperation between the two neighbouring countries Iran and Pakistan have planned to create joint specialized working groups that discuss banking customs transportation markets trade and quarantine issues related to the expansion of bilateral commerce IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/iran-pak-agree-to-raise-mutual-trade-to-5bn-by-2023-170647.html Sun, 07 Nov 2021 18:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-terrorists-killed-in-clash-with-pak-police-169659.html Islamabad Nov 2 Four terrorists were killed in a clash with police in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province local authorities said in a statement on Tuesday The counterterrorism department of police conducted the operation in Hangu district on an intelligence tipoff regarding the presence of some highprofile targets in a compound Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying During the operation an exchange of fire broke out in which four terrorists were killed while four others escaped by taking advantage of the darkness Police seized arms and ammunition from the militants hideout and kicked off a search operation for the fleeing terrorists The killed terrorists were involved in planning and executing attacks on polio eradication teams kidnapping for ransom street crimes and terrorist attacks on police and civilians according to the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-terrorists-killed-in-clash-with-pak-police-169659.html Wed, 03 Nov 2021 12:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-sees-continuous-rise-in-dengue-cases-167180.html Islamabad Oct 24 Pakistan is witnessing a continuous rise of dengue cases and in the last 24 hours an additional 832 people were infected in different areas of the country health authorities said The new cases were detected in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab as well as in the capital city of Islamabad reports Xinhua news agency In Islamabad 118 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours including 79 recorded in the suburbs bringing the citys total tally to 2721 District Health Officer Zaeem Zia told local media In the cited period 168 more dengue cases were detected in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa taking the total number of infections to 4672 in the province local media said Five people have died from the disease in the province and 214 patients are currently hospitalized Meanwhile 546 more dengue cases were recorded in Punjab a health official told local media adding that 361 of them were found in the provincial capital Lahore According to the official data the total number of dengue cases across the province have risen to 9491 with 6294 of them reported in Lahore alone The Pakistani government is taking special measures at the dengue hotspots in order to curb the spread of the disease IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-sees-continuous-rise-in-dengue-cases-167180.html Mon, 25 Oct 2021 05:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/house-fire-kills-7-in-pakistan-165992.html Lahore Oct 17 Seven members of a family were killed in a fire that erupted in their house located in Muzaffargarh district of Pakistans Punjab province on Sunday local officials said The family members were asleep when the big fire broke out giving them no chance to escape local media reported citing a district emergency officer as saying Among the killed were two women and four children aged between two months and 10 years Xinhua news agency reported An investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fire IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/house-fire-kills-7-in-pakistan-165992.html Mon, 18 Oct 2021 01:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/iran-pak-agree-to-cooperate-on-marine-industry-165860.html Tehran Oct 17 Iranian and Pakistani military commanders have agreed to cooperate in manufacturing military vessels and submarine maintenance state media reported In a visit to Pakistan Navys shipyards in the port city of Karachi Mohammad Hossein Baqeri visiting Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces was briefed on the process of building warships boats and submarines Xinhua news agency quoted the state media report as saying The military officials of the two neighbours agreed to work together on the construction and maintenance of ships and submarines according to the report The two sides also agreed to share experiences in various naval fields to fight against drug trafficking and terrorism as well as exchange students According to a similar report by Irans official IRNA news agency the military officials of Tehran and Islamabad also stressed for regional cooperation for ensuring the security in the region In the meantime Baqeri drew upon the importance of maritime security at the common sea borders by conducting joint exercises IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/iran-pak-agree-to-cooperate-on-marine-industry-165860.html Sun, 17 Oct 2021 13:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/5-dead-as-jeep-falls-into-ditch-in-pok-165285.html Islamabad Oct 14 Five people were killed and four others injured when a jeep plunged into a ditch in Pakistan occupied Kashmirs PoK Haveli district local media reported on Thursday morning According to the reports the accident occurred as the jeep driver tried to save the vehicle from an iron rod present in the standing position in the middle of the road resulting in the killing of five people on the spot reports Xinhua news agency The deceased and injured were shifted to the hospital rescue workers said All the passengers belonged to the same family and came to Khwaja Bandi for a wedding Road accidents are quite frequent in Pakistan mainly due to poor roads badly maintained vehicles and unprofessional driving IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/5-dead-as-jeep-falls-into-ditch-in-pok-165285.html Fri, 15 Oct 2021 05:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-us-deputy-secy-of-state-discuss-afghan-situation-bilateral-ties-164108.html Islamabad Oct 9 Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met visiting US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman discussing Afghan affairs and bilateral ties the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said Regarding the situation in Afghanistan Qureshi on Friday stressed that the current situation required positive engagement of the international community urgent provision of humanitarian assistance release of Afghan financial resources and measures to help build a sustainable economy to alleviate the sufferings of the Afghan people the Ministry said in a statement He noted that an inclusive and broadbased political structure reflecting the ethnic diversity of Afghan society was essential for Afghanistans stability and progress Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying In the context of PakistanUS bilateral relations Qureshi underlined his countrys commitment to forging a broadbased longterm and sustainable relationship anchored in economic cooperation regional connectivity and peace in the region A regular and structured dialogue process between the two countries is vital for promoting common interests and advancing shared regional objectives he said During the meeting Sherman appreciated Pakistans support for the evacuation of US citizens and others from Afghanistan and its continued efforts for peace in the region the Ministry said After concluding her India tour Sherman arrived in Pakistan on Thursday for a twoday visit IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-us-deputy-secy-of-state-discuss-afghan-situation-bilateral-ties-164108.html Sun, 10 Oct 2021 09:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/7-killed-28-injured-in-pak-accident-162695.html Islamabad Oct 4 Seven people were killed and 28 others injured when a passenger bus fell off from a flyover in Khanewal district of Pakistans Punjab province the police said on Monday The incident took place late Sunday night when the driver lost control over the vehicle due to a tyre burst Xinhua news agency quoted the police as saying Five people died on the spot while two others succumbed to injuries at the hospital on Monday morning according to the police The bus was on its way to Karachi from east Chakwal district The injured are being treated at the hospital where some are in critical condition the police added Road accidents are frequent in the province mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles and unprofessional driving IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/7-killed-28-injured-in-pak-accident-162695.html Tue, 05 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/terrorists-attack-pak-security-forces-5-dead-162358.html Islamabad Oct 3 Five security personnel were killed when terrorists attacked their vehicle in North Waziristan district of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province an army statement said on Sunday The security personnel from paramilitary troops Frontier Corps and Levies were in the vehicle when it came under attack the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations said in the statement Clearance operation is in progress to eliminate any terrorist found in the area following the incident Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying A surge in terrorist attacks on security forces in Pakistan has recently been witnessed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and southwest Balochistan provinces IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/terrorists-attack-pak-security-forces-5-dead-162358.html Sun, 03 Oct 2021 23:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/7-killed-after-car-plunges-into-ditch-in-islamabad-162235.html Islamabad Oct 3 Seven people were killed when a car plunged into a ditch in Pakistans capital of Islamabad according to a local media report According to the report the accident occurred after the car skidded off the road due to fast current of the gushing rain water reports Xinhua news agency Police told local media that they received the information of the accident Saturday morning and then rushed to the site and shifted the victims to a local hospital All the deceased which included six women were from one family who were on the way back home from a wedding ceremony Heavy rains hit different areas in Pakistan last week and are expected to continue for the next few days IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/7-killed-after-car-plunges-into-ditch-in-islamabad-162235.html Sun, 03 Oct 2021 13:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-in-a-fix-over-helping-kabul-without-intl-recognition-161289.html New Delhi Sep 29 Pakistan appears to be facing difficulties in providing technical financial and expert support to the transition government in Afghanistan in the absence of the regimes international recognition despite emerging challenges like food crisis in the wartorn country Dawn reported At a meeting in Islamabad presided over by Minister for Economic Affairs Omar Ayub Khan on Tuesday key stakeholders considered various options to support the new Afghan administration through capacity building and technical expertise under crash programmes but the major challenge was how to do that without recognition by the world of the Afghan government The meeting called to discuss economic cooperation with Afghanistan was attended by Pakistan Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf State Bank of Pakistan SBP Governor Dr Reza Baqir Water and Power Development Authority Wapda Chairman retired Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain and other senior officials Informed sources said the meeting was told that the biggest challenge for the Afghan administration was the void created by major exodus of technical and financial experts soon after the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan the report said The brain drain left major institutions particularly of technical and financial nature incapacitated to take over essential services like electricity medical and financial facilities for smooth operations The meeting noted that the SBP management could arrange and provide crash training courses to Afghanistan by inviting their staff to Pakistan At this stage the Afghan central bank is incapacitated and requires urgent international reorganisation and capacity building for financial settlements IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-in-a-fix-over-helping-kabul-without-intl-recognition-161289.html Wed, 29 Sep 2021 23:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistani-soldier-killed-in-checkpost-attack-160732.html Islamabad Sep 27 A Pakistani soldier was killed and two others were injured when militants targeted a security forces checkpost in Balochistan the third terror attack in the province since September 24 an army statement said The attack took place on Sunday in Mach area at the checkpost of paramilitary troops Frontier Corps the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations ISPR said in the statement The troops responded promptly and during an exchange of fire one soldier was killed while two others were injured Xinhua news agency reported citing the army as saying Pakistan Army remains committed to defeat such cowardly acts by externally sponsored terrorist elements the ISPR said On September 24 two security personnel were killed and five others injured in an attack in Awaran district The following day four security personnel were killed and two others injured when a vehicle of paramilitary troops Frontier Corps hit the explosives planted along the road in Harnai district The outlawed Baloch Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistani-soldier-killed-in-checkpost-attack-160732.html Tue, 28 Sep 2021 01:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-terrorists-arrested-in-paks-punjab-province-160493.html Islamabad Sep 26 Eight terrorists were arrested in separate intelligencebased operations in Pakistans Punjab province the Counter Terrorism Department CTD of the police has confirmed According to the CTD in Punjab the Departtments personnel conducted an operation by acting on an intelligence tipoff regarding the presence of terrorists in a locality in Lahore the provincial capital reports Xinhua news agency Four terrorists belonging to a banned outfit were arrested during the operation in Lahore said the CTD adding that the accused have been shifted to an undisclosed location to be interrogated Separately the CTD and the Intelligence Bureau carried out a joint operation in Punjabs Sheikhupura district and apprehended two terrorists The arrested persons were involved in terror activities in the district Moreover two militants of a proscribed outfit were nabbed in two separate raids at their hideouts in Gujranwala and Hafizabad districts of the province According to the police the arrested men were collecting donations to finance terror activities in the districts All the raids took place on Saturday IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-terrorists-arrested-in-paks-punjab-province-160493.html Mon, 27 Sep 2021 03:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-pakistani-security-personnel-killed-in-blast-160500.html Islamabad Sep 26 Four security personnel were killed and two others injured in a blast in Pakistans Balochistan province police said The incident took place on Saturday when a vehicle of paramilitary troops Frontier Corps hit the explosives planted along the road in Harnai district police sources in the area told Xinhua news agency The vehicle was on a routine patrol in the area when the explosion happened said the police sources Following the explosion rescue teams police and security forces rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to a nearby hospital Police and security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to arrest the culprits No group or individual has claimed the blast yet IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-pakistani-security-personnel-killed-in-blast-160500.html Mon, 27 Sep 2021 04:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistani-police-foil-terror-bid-arrest-3-terrorists-160183.html Islamabad Sep 25 The Pakistans police Counter Terrorism Department CTD have foiled a major terror bid in Balochistan province and arrested three terrorists during an operation local media reported on Saturday The local media quoted CTD officials as saying that three terrorists including a suicide bomber were arrested during the intelligencebased operation in Turbat city reports Xinhua news agency A suicide vest and a huge cache of explosive material and ammunition were recovered from the possession of the arrested militants the CTD officials said Police said terrorists were planning to carry out terror activities in the province The militants have been shifted to an unknown location for further investigation On Friday six terrorists including two commanders were killed during a separate operation also in Balochistan province IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistani-police-foil-terror-bid-arrest-3-terrorists-160183.html Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/6-terrorists-killed-in-pak-military-operation-160057.html Islamabad Sep 25 Six terrorists including two commanders were killed during a military operation in Pakistans Balochistan province an army statement said The security forces conducted the operation on Friday by acting on an intelligence tipoff regarding the presence of the terrorists in the area Xinhua news agency quoted the armys media wing InterServices Public Relations as saying in the statement During the operation the troops cordoned off a hideout of the militants who opened fire in retaliation to flee from the hideout During an intense exchange of fire six terrorists including two commanders were killed and a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from the area the statement added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/6-terrorists-killed-in-pak-military-operation-160057.html Sat, 25 Sep 2021 15:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/9-killed-20-injured-in-pak-tribal-court-firing-159002.html Islamabad Sep 21 Nine people were killed and 20 others injured in a firing between two groups while attending a session of a Jirga the local tribal court in Pakistans Upper Dir district police sources said The incident took place on Monday when the groups gathered in the court to resolve a dispute about a road to be constructed on their lands Laal Bahadar a station house officer in the district told Xinhua news agency During the court hearing a heated discussion started between the two groups which got worse and they pulled out their guns at each other followed by a serious exchange of firing said the official Police rushed to the site following the incident he said adding that perpetrators of the brawl are being identified by the police The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital where several of them are in critical condition the officer said IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/9-killed-20-injured-in-pak-tribal-court-firing-159002.html Tue, 21 Sep 2021 15:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-army-helicopter-rescues-3-stranded-mountaineers-from-rakaposhi-157821.html Islamabad Sep 15 A Pakistan Army helicopter has rescued three stranded mountaineers including a Pakistani from the Rakaposhi Mountain on Wednesday morning A Pakistani climber named Wajidullah Nagri and two Czech Republic mountaineers had been stuck at an altitude of 6900 metres on the mountain for the past five days the Geo TV reported Taking to Twitter Deputy Commissioner Nagar Zulqarnain Khan confirmed all three mountaineers have been rescued by the army He said that the mountaineers have been shifted to Gilgit and thanked the Pakistan Army for saving the lives of the stranded mountaineers Helicopters to rescue the climbers had arrived in Hunza on Sunday and started a rescue operation to bring them back IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-army-helicopter-rescues-3-stranded-mountaineers-from-rakaposhi-157821.html Fri, 17 Sep 2021 00:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/fourth-covid-wave-weakens-in-pakistan-157817.html Islamabad Sep 15 Pakistan has been recording a slow decline in its daily Covid19 numbers over the last two days with 2714 fresh cases reported on Wednesday morning the National Command and Operation Centres statistics showed According to the NCOCs latest stats the positivity rate fell to 478 per cent The last time the countrys positivity rate was less than 5 per cent was on July 24 The 2714 new cases were detected after 56733 coronavirus tests were taken in the last 24 hours This pushes the total number of cases to 1212809 There is a small downward trend in daily numbers with active cases going under 80000 for the first time since early August The number of active cases currently are 77532 the Geo TV reported In the last 24 hours another 73 people have died of Covid19 pushing the death toll to 26938 The total recoveries crossed the 11 million mark after 10923 people recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours As of now some 1108339 patients have recovered Covid19 infections are decreasing in Pakistan with 3406 new infections reported on average each day Thats 58 per cent of the peak  the highest daily average reported on June 17 Pakistan has administered at least 68227337 doses of Covid vaccines so far Assuming every person needs 2 doses thats enough to have vaccinated about 158 per cent of the countrys population During the last week reported Pakistan averaged about 1040926 doses administered each day At that rate it will take a further 42 days to administer enough doses for another 10 per cent of the population IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/fourth-covid-wave-weakens-in-pakistan-157817.html Thu, 16 Sep 2021 23:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-vaccinate-teens-from-monday-156753.html Islamabad Sep 12 Pakistan will begin vaccinating teenagers in the age group between 1517 against Covid19 starting from Monday according to the NatÂional Command and OperaÂtion Centre NCOC Speaking to Dawn news MinisÂtry of National Health SerÂvices spokesperson Sajid Shah said They will be given Pfizer vaccine and the facility will be free of cost Children in this age group are therefore advised to visit vaccination centres along with their Form B from the National Database and Registration Authority Nadra Pfizer vaccine will be avaÂilable at all major vaccination centres We have also been making arrangements to send teams to educational institutions to vaccinate children On August 24 Health Minister Faisal Sultan had announced that people over 17 years of age would be able to receive the first dose of a Covid jab from September 1 and would be fully inoculated by October 15 He added that the date for inoculating people in the age group of 15 to 17 years would be announced later The country has so far administered 67342288 doses of Covid19 vaccines In the last 24 hours 3480 more people tested positive for the virus and 82 others died which took Pakistans overall infection tally and death toll to 1201367 and 26662 respectively IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-vaccinate-teens-from-monday-156753.html Mon, 13 Sep 2021 07:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/heavy-rain-kills-12-people-in-pak-156892.html Islamabad Sep 12 Twelve people were killed and two others injured due to heavy downpour in Mansehra district of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday local media reported Four to five houses were razed to the ground due to landslides caused by the heavy downpour Xinhua news agency quoted the reports as saying There were 16 people in the houses and search for the remaining two has been underway according to media The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital Climate impacts including cloud bursts which lead to heavy downpour are becoming more frequent in the country in recent years causing casualties and damages IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/heavy-rain-kills-12-people-in-pak-156892.html Mon, 13 Sep 2021 17:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-not-setting-up-camps-for-afghan-refugees-official-155233.html Islamabad Sep 7 Pakistan is not setting up any camp to accommodate a new wave of Afghan refugees on its territory after the Taliban takeover of the wartorn nation Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said Addressing a press conference here on Monday the Minister said that his country is allowing Afghan nationals holding Pakistani visas and other documents to enter the country but there is no other policy so far for refugees reports Xinhua news agency Ahmad added that the situation at the countrys two border crossings with Afghanistan is under control and there is no influx of refugees anywhere along the borders The official noted that Pakistan is keen to see peace prevail in Afghanistan and supports its development Ahmads remarks came more than a week after Inter Services Public Relations ISPR DirectorGeneral Babar Iftikhar said that there was no influx of Afghan refugees along the borders with Pakistan and the people who have valid documents to enter Pakistan are being allowed to pass The border crossings and other border posts are open for trade with Afghanistan as it is a landlocked country and on humanitarian grounds it is improper to keep the borders closed indefinitely According to the UNHCR Pakistan hosts more than 14 million registered Afghans who have been forced to flee their homes IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-not-setting-up-camps-for-afghan-refugees-official-155233.html Tue, 07 Sep 2021 11:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-economy-heading-in-right-direction-prez-154353.html Islamabad Sep 2 Pakistani President Arif Alvi expressed satisfaction over the economic performance of the country saying it is heading in the right direction The economic development reflected the confidence of the business community in the economic policies of the incumbent government Alvi said at a meeting on Wednesday with members of the business community here adding that steps are being taken to further improve the business environment of the country by providing various incentives and facilities reports Xinhua news agency Business community played a significant role in the economic development of the country and a number of steps have been taken to facilitate them particularly during the Covid19 pandemic the President said The government has been focusing on creating an optimum business environment and due to its efforts Pakistans rank in the Ease of Doing Business Index have improved from 136th to 108th position he said Alvi said despite tough financial constraints the Pakistani government has provided a financial stimulus package worth 12 trillion PKR 7 billion to protect the business community and underprivileged strata of society from the adverse impacts of the pandemic Noting that the countrys exports witnessed a significant surge the President said the exports reached 253 billion during the last fiscal year of 20202021 and that the tax collection by the Federal Board of Revenue exceeded the set target during the first two months of the current fiscal year showing that the economic health of the country is improving IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-economy-heading-in-right-direction-prez-154353.html Fri, 03 Sep 2021 03:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-expands-curbs-to-control-covid-4th-wave-153326.html Islamabad Aug 30 Pakistan has extended Covid19 restrictions to 27 cities from the earlier 13 to control the fourth wave of the pandemic in the country the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said The new restrictions will be imposed from September 1 across the country under which all commercial activities except essential services including grocery stores and pharmacies will be suspended by 8 pm the Department leading the countrys campaign against the pandemic said in a statement Under the restrictions markets in all 27 cities will be closed twice a week whereas indoor dining indoor weddings shrines and cinema halls recreational parks and swimming pools will remain closed across the country reports Xinhua news agency Sports activities including boxing martial arts rugby water polo and wrestling have also been banned by the NCOC Outdoor weddings with a limited number of people and outdoor dining and takeaway are allowed across the country according to the statement All public and private offices and public transport have been allowed to operate at a 50 per cent capacity and railways at a 70 per cent capacity throughout the country Educational activities in schools will be allowed thrice a week at a 50 per cent capacity the statement added The country has reported 3909 new Covid19 cases over the last 24 hours raising the overall tally of the infected people to 1152481 across the country the NCOC said Sindh province has been the worst hit with a total of 429422 cases followed by Punjab where the virus was infected 389688 people A total of 25604 people died of Covid19 in Pakistan the NCOC said The country currently has 93504 active cases while 1033373 others have recovered The vaccination drive in the country has also picked up the pace with some 39951787 partially vaccinated and 15269699 fully inoculated in the country according to the latest official data IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-expands-curbs-to-control-covid-4th-wave-153326.html Mon, 30 Aug 2021 11:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/no-wave-of-afghan-refugees-so-far-in-pak-military-153116.html Islamabad Aug 29 There is no influx of Afghan refugees along the borders with Pakistan and the people who have valid documents to enter Pakistan are being allowed to pass a top military official said here The border crossings and other border posts are open for trade with Afghanistan as it is a landlocked country and on humanitarian grounds it is improper to keep the borders closed indefinitely Xinhua news agency quoted the Inter Services Public Relations ISPR DirectorGeneral Babar Iftikhar said in a media briefing The official said that the biggest base in the nearimmediate vicinity of Afghanistan to evacuate foreigners from Afghanistan is in Pakistan and to help the international community take its nationals back home 113 flights have been landed from Afghanistan in Pakistan including military and commercial aircraft and 5000 foreigners have been evacuated He said that Pakistan played its due role in the peace process and always supported peace in Afghanistan because the people of Pakistan suffered the most after Afghanistan in the war and unrest We have faced a massive bruntmore than 86000 lives have been lost and 152 billion PKR 912 million in economic losses and counting At the peak of the last two decades while we were involved in this war on terror there were more than 90 terrorist incidents taking place in a year in Pakistan Iftikhar added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/no-wave-of-afghan-refugees-so-far-in-pak-military-153116.html Sun, 29 Aug 2021 13:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/7-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-152630.html Islamabad Aug 26 Seven terrorists belonging to a banned outfit were killed during a raid at their hideout in Pakistans Balochistan province the CounterTerrorism Department CTD of police said on Thursday The CTD personnel conducted the operation late Wednesday in the Kohar Dam area of Loralai district during which the terrorists opened fire on the police party Xinhua news agency reported citing the Department as saying An exchange of fire between militants and police killed seven terrorists on the spot the CTD said adding that three of their accomplices managed to escape Police said that a search operation has been kicked off in the surrounding areas to arrest ontherun terrorists A huge cache of arms and ammunition including explosives hand grenades and assault rifles were also recovered from the hideout during the operation IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/7-terrorists-killed-in-balochistan-152630.html Fri, 27 Aug 2021 00:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-pak-security-personnel-killed-in-landmine-blast-152887.html Islamabad Aug 27 Three security personnel were killed and three others injured in a landmine blast in Pakistans Balochistan province a government official said Spokesperson of the Balochistan government Liaquat Shahwani told the media that the incident took place on Thursday in the Mangi Dam area of Ziarat district when a vehicle of the paramilitary Pakistan Levies forces hit the landmine reports Xinhua news agency The forces were on a routine patrol Following the explosion rescue teams police and security forces rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to a nearby hospital Police and security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation So far no group or individual has claimed the attack IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-pak-security-personnel-killed-in-landmine-blast-152887.html Fri, 27 Aug 2021 21:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-dispels-speculations-on-fms-visit-to-afghanistan-151745.html Islamabad Aug 23 Pakistan has dispelled speculations regarding visit of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to Kabul according to an official spokesperson No visit by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to Kabul is scheduled Any speculation in this regard is baseless Xinhua news agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri as saying on Sunday Earlier the Ministry had said that Qureshi will be visiting Afghanistans neighbouring countries for consultations on the Afghan issue soon while reiterating its commitment to work together with the international community to advance shared objectives in Afghanistan On August 21 the Foreign Minister held telephonic conversations with his counterparts in Russia Germany Turkey Belgium and Netherlands to discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-dispels-speculations-on-fms-visit-to-afghanistan-151745.html Mon, 23 Aug 2021 16:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-hopes-afghan-stakeholders-work-to-resolve-political-crisis-149910.html Islamabad Aug 16 Pakistan will continue to support the efforts for political settlement of the Afghan issues and hopes that all sides will work together to resolve their internal political crisis the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said in a statement Pakistan is closely following the unfolding situation in Afghanistan the statement issued on Sunday said adding that the Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul is extending necessary assistance to Pakistanis Afghan nationals and diplomats and the international community for consular work reports Xinhua news agency A special interministerial cell has been established in the Ministry of Interior to facilitate visaarrival matters for diplomatic personnel UN agencies international organisations media and others the statement added Taking to Twitter on Sunday Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said Pak press section in Kabul has received hundreds of visa applications from International media to facilitate their evacuation from Kabul a special cell has been created to facilitate international media personnel At a press briefing in Punjab province on Sunday Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the situation is quickly evolving in Afghanistan and in the current scenario his country wants a peaceful solution of the Afghan issue through dialogue We want both parties to seek a negotiated political settlement to solve the issue in the best interest of Afghanistan he added The Foreign Minister said that he will contact Afghanistans neighbouring countries in the coming week as his country wants all regional countries on the same page regarding the Afghan issue Talking about his countrys stance on the dialogue between the Taliban and the Afghan government on the captivity of Kabul Qureshi said that Pakistan believes that human lives should be saved and we are happy that discussion is underway for transition of power Pakistan has been trying to play a role in peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and we will continue making efforts in this direction We want Afghan leadership to make a mature decision to save the life and property of their people he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-hopes-afghan-stakeholders-work-to-resolve-political-crisis-149910.html Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-killed-2-injured-in-blast-in-pakistan-149128.html Islamabad Aug 13 Three employees were killed and two others injured when an explosion took place inside a defence industrial complex in Rawalpindi district of Pakistans east Punjab province on Thursday evening an army statement said The accident happened due to a technical fault in one of the plants of Pakistan Ordnance Factories POF in Wah Cantt town of the district located some 37 km northwest of Islamabad the Xinhua news agency reported The accident site has been cleared and the situation has been controlled by POF technical emergency response team the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations said in the statement The explosion shattered window glasses of nearby houses and sent a shockwave in the whole town creating panic among the people according to local media and sources Talking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity military sources from the factories said that small explosions normally happen during stacking and transferring of sensitive materials but the one on Thursday evening was a powerful one IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-killed-2-injured-in-blast-in-pakistan-149128.html Fri, 13 Aug 2021 15:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/irresponsible-forces-withdrawal-will-lead-to-unrest-in-afghanistan-148390.html Islamabad Aug 10 Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that the irresponsible withdrawal of the US and NATO forces from Afghanistan may give benefit to militants and lead to further unrest in the country Addressing a press conference here on Monday Qureshi called for a responsible and orderly withdrawal of the troops without leaving a vacuum for the militant element to play havoc and create a chaotic situation for the region reports Xinhua news agency He also expressed concern over the rising cases of violence in Afghanistan during the withdrawal process Qureshi noted that the Afghan peace process is at a critical stage and there is a dire need to find a broadbased and inclusive settlement through an Afghanled and Afghanowned process Underlining the sacrifices made by his country due to unrest in Afghanistan the Minister said that Pakistan has been a victim of the war in the neighbouring country The price that we have paid has to be understood We have had close to 80000 casualties we have suffered huge economic losses The world should not be oblivious to that The Foreign Minister said that Pakistan had played its role in the Afghan peace and reconciliation process and now it was up to the Afghan leadership to move the intraAfghan dialogue process further Talking about his countrys efforts for the Afghan peace process Qureshi said that Pakistan played an instrumental role in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table in 2019 Pakistan facilitated the conclusion of the USTaliban peace agreement in February 2020 in Doha Stressing upon the international community to play its role to bring peace in Afghanistan Qureshi said that the world should realise peace and stability in Afghanistan is a shared responsibility and the international community cannot shy away from it and should play its role He briefed the media that his country is making sure to check on people coming in and going out from Pakistan through the Afghan border while it has completed 98 per cent of border fencing IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/irresponsible-forces-withdrawal-will-lead-to-unrest-in-afghanistan-148390.html Tue, 10 Aug 2021 21:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-soldier-killed-in-checkpost-attack-147906.html Islamabad Aug 8 A Pakistani soldier was killed as terrorists attacked a military checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province an army statement said The militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations ISPR said in the statement that the terrorists opened fire on the post in the Ghariom area of North Waziristan district on Saturday reports Xinhua news agency Own troops responded in a befitting manner said the ISPR statement adding that during an exchange of fire with the militants one soldier of the Pakistani army was killed Area clearance is being carried out to eliminate the terrorists the statement said Pakistan Army is determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve it added On Monday a statement from the ISPR said that a soldier was killed in terrorists attack on a military check post in North Waziristan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-soldier-killed-in-checkpost-attack-147906.html Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-reports-4-722-new-covid-cases-146725.html Islamabad Aug 4 Pakistan has reported 4722 new Covid19 cases the National Command and Operation Center NCOC said on Wednesday The NCOC a department leading Pakistans campaign against the pandemic said that the countrys overall confirmed cases reached 1047999 including 945829 recoveries Xinhua news agency reported The number of active cases rose to 78595 including 3858 critical patients According to the NCOC the pandemic killed 46 more people on Tuesday taking the toll to 23575 Pakistans southern Sindh province is the most affected region with 389699 infections followed by the eastern Punjab province which reported 359321 cases Chairman of the NCOC Asad Umar said on Tuesday that Pakistan has achieved the target of administering 1 million doses of Covid19 vaccine in a day on Monday IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-reports-4-722-new-covid-cases-146725.html Wed, 04 Aug 2021 23:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-soldier-killed-in-military-post-attack-146386.html Islamabad Aug 3 A soldier was killed as terrorists attacked a military post in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province an army statement said The militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations ISPR said in the statement that the terrorists opened fire on the post in the Ghariom area of North Waziristan district on Monday reports Xinhua news agency Own troops responded in a befitting manner the ISPR said adding that during an exchange of fire with the militants one soldier of the Pakistani Army was killed Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists in the area said the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-soldier-killed-in-military-post-attack-146386.html Tue, 03 Aug 2021 19:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-policeman-guarding-anti-polio-workers-shot-dead-146419.html Islamabad Aug 3 A policeman who was assigned to guard polio vaccination workers in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP province was shot dead by unidentified gunmen according to officials The miscreants riding on a motorcycle opened fire at the victim in the Kot Attal Sharif area of Dera Ismail Khan district on Monday Xinhua news agency quoted a senior police official as saying The policeman was on his way to perform duties with an antipolio team when he was attacked said the official adding that the attackers fled the scene afterwards and a search operation is underway to arrest the culprits This was the third attack in two days on Pakistani policemen assigned to protect antipolio workers in the province On Sunday a police officer who was returning home after security duty with polio vaccination workers was killed by unidentified gunmen in Peshawar the capital of KP province Similarly another policeman was injured when a roadside bomb hit a police van escorting a polio vaccination team in the Ladha area of South Waziristan district later in the day According to government officials Pakistan is one of the only two polioendemic countries in the world along with its neighbour Afghanistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-policeman-guarding-anti-polio-workers-shot-dead-146419.html Tue, 03 Aug 2021 21:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-policeman-killed-in-blast-145276.html Peshawar An investigator examines a damaged police vehicle at the site of hand grenade attack in Peshawar Pakistan Friday July 30 2021 Attackers threw a hand grenade at a police van in Pakistans northwestern city of Peshawar on Friday killing and wounding police officers before fleeing the scene police said PTI Islamabad July 30 A policeman was killed and two civilians were injured on Friday in an explosion in Peshawar capital of Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province a rescue organisation said The police were shifting a shopkeeper using a police van to a nearby police station upon the latters violation of Covid19 guidelines when the vehicle was hit by the explosion Sher Gul from the nongovernmental rescue organization Edhi Foundation told Xinhua news agency The injured including a policeman were shifted to nearby hospital and the policeman is in critical condition Gul said IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-policeman-killed-in-blast-145276.html Fri, 30 Jul 2021 16:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-records-over-4-000-new-covid-cases-for-2nd-day-145094.html Islamabad July 29 For a second consecutive day Pakistan recorded more than 4000 new Covid19 cases which increased the overall infection tally to 1020324 the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said on Thursday The NCOC the department leading Pakistans campaign against the pandemic said that a total of 4497 new cases were registered in the last 24 hours reports Xinhua news agency A total of 23209 people have died of the disease including 76 patients who died over the last 24 hours it added According to a statement by the NCOC the countrys Sindh province has been the worst hit with a total of 374434 cases followed by Punjab with 354904 infections Pakistan has administered 27875999 doses of Covid19 vaccine so far IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-records-over-4-000-new-covid-cases-for-2nd-day-145094.html Fri, 30 Jul 2021 03:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/heavy-rains-wreak-havoc-in-islamabad-2-dead-144856.html Islamabad July 29 Heavy rains wreaked havoc in Pakistans capital city of Islamabad killing at least two people while injuring several others officials said Several buildings shops and vehicles were damaged due to the heavy downpour in the affected areas Xinhua news agency reported citing the official as saying on Wednesday The torrential rain in Islamabad and its twin city Rawalpindi inundated many lowlying areas and main roads creating immense difficulties for the residents The heavy rain accompanied by strong winds also uprooted trees and destroyed makeshift shelters Electricity supply in several areas of the twin cities remained suspended Rescue and relief operations are being carried out by rescuers Commenting on the situation in the federal capital the countrys Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said that the Pakistani Army and other local authorities are present in various areas to deal with any emergency condition Speaking with Xinhua Sayed Munawar Shah a senior official of the Capital Development Authority CDA said that heavy machinery and trained staff have been deployed to clear major roads and restore traffic He said that excessive water and debris are being removed in several localities Most of the locations and avenues have been cleared and efforts are underway to clear the remaining areas IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/heavy-rains-wreak-havoc-in-islamabad-2-dead-144856.html Thu, 29 Jul 2021 08:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-covid-19-case-count-crosses-4-000-for-first-time-in-two-months-144810.html Islamabad July 28 Pakistans daily Covid19 case count crossed 4000 for the first time in two months on Wednesday morning after the National Command and Operation Centre reported 4119 fresh infections The country last recorded more than 4000 cases in a single day on May 22 the Geo TV reported According to the NCOCs latest stats 52291 coronavirus tests were taken in the last 24 hours across the country Of these 4119 came back positive Another 44 people meanwhile lost their lives to the virus in the last 24 hours pushing the national death tally to 23133 The positivity rate too went up again The current rate is 78 per cent The total number of cases has reached 1015827 In addition to this 7020 patients have recovered from the virus in the last 24 hours bringing the total number of recoveries to 935742 while the number of active cases is 56952 Earlier this week it was reported that Pakistans coronavirus death rate in July surpassed the global death rate figures according to officials from the health ministry The death rate in July was between 230 per cent and 237 per cent in Pakistan according to data shared by the World Health Organisation The worldwide death rate in July was between 215 per cent to 217 per cent Health experts said that noncompliance with standard operating procedures and no vaccination can increase death rates IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-covid-19-case-count-crosses-4-000-for-first-time-in-two-months-144810.html Wed, 28 Jul 2021 19:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-records-2-819-new-covid-cases-144154.html Islamabad July 25 A total of 2819 people tested positive for Covid19 in the last 24 hours in Pakistan raising the countrys total infection tally to 1004694 the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said on Sunday Sindh province has been the worst hit with 364784 cases followed by Punjab province where the disease infected 352682 people reports Xinhua news agency A total of 23016 people died of the disease the NCOC said adding that 2573 critical patients are currently under treatment in hospitals across the country A total of 925958 have recovered from the disease in the country the NCOC added On Saturday Asad Umar head of the NCOC urged citizens to get vaccinated and follow the standard operating procedures as the risk of transmission was not over yet Meanwhile Pakistan has made Covid19 vaccination certificates mandatory for domestic air travel Travellers will be required to carry proof of vaccination when taking domestic flights starting from August 1 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-records-2-819-new-covid-cases-144154.html Mon, 26 Jul 2021 10:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-bans-non-vaccinated-persons-from-domestic-air-travel-144173.html Islamabad July 25 The Pakistan government has banned people over the age of 18 who have not been vaccinated against Covid19 from domestic air travel the media reported on Sunday According to a document issued by the NatioÂnal Command and OperaÂtion Centre NCOC available with Dawn it has been decided that no unvaccinated citizens of 18year age and above will be allowed to undertake domÂeÂsÂtic air travel from August 1 Restriction is for domestic air travel and people travelling from Pakistan to abroad or from abroad to Pakistan are exempted from restriction It is also not applicable on link flights if these are within 72 hours of arrival or departure the document states However partially vaccinated individuals foreign nationals Pakistani nationals having documentary proof of vaccination abroad and patients who are clinically advised against vaccination due to risk of reaction are exempted from restriction This announcement comes as Pakistans overall Covid19 caseload and death toll have increased to 1004694 and 23016 respectively IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-bans-non-vaccinated-persons-from-domestic-air-travel-144173.html Mon, 26 Jul 2021 11:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-covid-positivity-rate-rises-to-63-143433.html Islamabad July 22 The Covid19 positivity rate in Pakistan has increased to 63 per cent with the detection of 2158 new cases in the past 24 hours the National Command and Operation Center said on Thursday Following the detection of the new cases the national Covid19 tally has increased to 998609 reports Dawn news Also in the same period 40 more coronavirusrelated deaths took the overall fatality toll 22928 The NCOC said Sindh province has been the worst hit with a total of 361160 cases followed by Punjab province where the disease was infected 351592 people The country currently has 52752 active cases while 922929 others have recovered from the disease IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-covid-positivity-rate-rises-to-63-143433.html Fri, 23 Jul 2021 15:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-prez-signs-bills-protecting-women-senior-citizens-rights-143058.html Islamabad July 21 Pakistan President Arif Alvi has signed two important bills including the one which ensures womens property rights and protects them from harassment coercion force or fraud the media reported citing officials The second bill to which the president gave his consent is Senior Citizen Bill 2021 and is aimed at the welfare of senior citizens of Islamabad With the presidents signing on Tuesday these bills have become acts the Dawn reported According to the presidency Alvi signed the Enforcement of Womens Property Rights Amendment Bill 2021 which has amended Section 5 of the relevant Act 2020 The bill will allow filing of an appeal to the president within 30 days against a decision of the ombudsman Mohtasib The law seeks to protect womens right of ownership and possession of property and ensure that their rights are not violated by means of harassment coercion force or fraud It offers an effective and speedy grievance redressal mechanism under which any woman deprived of ownership of property or possession of her property may file an appeal to the ombudsman if no proceedings in a court of law are pending regarding that property the law says After preliminary assessment the ombudsman will seek a report from the deputy commissioner within 15 days and will pass the judgement after going through the record The ombudsman will also seek objections from the complainant and her adversaries and will complete hearing within 60 days the bill adds The Enforcement of Womens Property Rights Amendment Act 2021 is a step forward in the right direction as it puts time restrictions in resolving disputes relating to womens property It has been observed that although the Constitution of Pakistan in its Article 23 recognises the property rights of all citizens women who make up half of the countrys population continue to face legal barriers to access own and administer property Womens right to own land and property is considered essential for women empowerment and greater female labour force participation The bill ensures that Senior Citizen Council and Darul Shafqat old age home would be established for the elderly and residents over 60 years would be eligible for the senior citizen card According to the bill they will get free facilities of museum parks and library and will also be entitled to treatment facilities subsidy on medicines and separate wards Financial aid would be provided to deserving senior citizens including 20 per cent subsidy on air and railway travel IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-prez-signs-bills-protecting-women-senior-citizens-rights-143058.html Thu, 22 Jul 2021 08:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-economic-situation-changing-now-imran-143099.html Islamabad July 21 Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that without the spirit of sacrifice a nation could not aspire to achieve development as the very human essence had a global significance adding the economic situation with which the country was confronted had been changing now In a message on the occasion of Eid the prime minister conveyed his felicitations to the citizens of Pakistan and the Muslim world The Nation reported on Wednesday The countrys economy was put on the right track and as a result of governments steps the economic indicators were showing positive trends he added The prime minister said through different schemes launched by his government the people were being provided with relief The day was not far he resolved when Pakistan would be standing equally in the ranks of developed countries and the whole nation would feel pride among the comity of nations The prime minister said sacrificing an animal on this holy festival manifested that a person has to sacrifice human desires for the achievement of the highest ideals Such a passion generated a quality in humans that would not let them sidetrack from the right path he said on Tuesday Khan opined that it was the passion which helped the Pakistani nation to save itself from the global coronavirus pandemic with wisdom national strategy and patience IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-economic-situation-changing-now-imran-143099.html Thu, 22 Jul 2021 11:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/27-killed-over-30-injured-in-pak-bus-trailer-collision-142660.html Islamabad July 19 At least 27 people were killed and over 30 others injured when a passenger bus collided with a trailer in Pakistans Punjab province local media reported on Monday According to the reports the accident occurred after the overspeeding bus collided with a trailer near Taunsa bypass in Dera Ghazi Khan district reports Xinhua news agency Rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the victims to the near hospital The bus was heading to Sialkot city from the Rajanpur district of the province Road accidents are quite frequent in Pakistan mainly due to poor roads badly maintained vehicles and unprofessional driving IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/27-killed-over-30-injured-in-pak-bus-trailer-collision-142660.html Tue, 20 Jul 2021 18:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-visits-chinese-nationals-injured-in-terror-attack-142481.html Rawalpindi July 19 Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi visited the injured Chinese nationals from the Dasu terrorist attack at the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi Qureshi was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong during the visit on Sunday reports Xinhua news agency Qureshi asked in detail about the condition of and treatment for each wounded Chinese national and promised that the best treatment will be provided to help them recover at an early date Talking to reporters he said that Pakistan and China have collectively fought challenges in the past and we have undertaken development projects in the past which has mutually benefited China and Pakistan We are aware of the fact that there are elements who do not want to see development activities in Pakistan they have undertaken this cowardly act he added He said that Pakistan will work with China to do everything possible to trace the culprits and bring them to justice On July 14 the shuttle vehicles of the Dasu Hydropower Project for which a Chinese company is contracted to build were hit by a blast when they were heading to the construction site in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province leaving nine Chinese nationals and three Pakistanis dead IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-visits-chinese-nationals-injured-in-terror-attack-142481.html Tue, 20 Jul 2021 08:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-citizens-urged-to-follow-sops-amid-4th-wave-concerns-141894.html Islamabad July 17 Health experts and officials in Pakistan have urged citizens to strictly adhere to the standard operating procedures SOPs amid concerns of the fourth wave of Covid19 pandemic On Friday Pakistan reported 2327 new Covid19 cases and 31 deaths with a positivity rate of over 6 per cent according to the data released by the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC a body leading Pakistans response to the pandemic The new additions have increased the countrys overall infection tally and death toll to 986668 and 22760 respectively Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan said the fourth wave had started urging the public to comply with safety measures and get vaccinated as soon as possible We must keep in mind that Covid19 vaccines are the most effective weapons against the virus Every person must at least get one dose of the vaccine he said Pakistan has enhanced the pace of vaccination and hit a new daily vaccination record by administering half a million doses during the past 24 hours with an aim to further increase the process of vaccination and inoculate 70 million eligible people by the end of this year according to government officials The authorities imposed fresh smart lockdowns in parts of the country with the highest positivity rate and launched crackdowns against businesses violating the SOPs On Wednesday the countrys worsthit Sindh province decided to reimpose restrictions on indoor dining cinemas gyms recreational centres and schools directing public transporters to operate with 50 per cent of occupancy Naveed Rashid an Islamabadbased public health expert told Xinhua that although the Covid19 cases in the country are increasing rapidly yet a casual attitude of common citizens is being noticed which could trigger a catastrophic situation The blatant violation of SOPs vaccine hesitancy due to misconceptions and new variants of the virus are the major reasons behind the resurgence of the disease he said Rashid said the Delta variant is spreading fast across the country and is the biggest concern at the moment as the new variant has wreaked havoc in other countries Humayun Iqbal Shami chairman of the Islamabadbased think tank Pakistan Economic Forum said the upward trajectory of coronavirus infections would not only have its adverse impacts on the countrys healthcare system but would also affect the national economy The economic activities were disturbed due to nationwide lockdowns in the country last year and the Pakistani people especially the lower strata of the society bore majority of the brunt he told Xinhua IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-citizens-urged-to-follow-sops-amid-4th-wave-concerns-141894.html Sun, 18 Jul 2021 02:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/uzbekistan-pakistan-ink-strategic-partnership-deal-141897.html Tashkent July 17 Uzbekistan and Pakistan have signed a strategic partnership agreement vowing to boost bilateral trade volume by five times The agreement was signed on Friday by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who jointly hosted a bilateral business forum on regional connectivity reports Xinhua news agency Following the talks several Memorandums of Understanding MoUs and agreements with a total worth of 500 million were inked to strengthen cooperation in diverse areas including transit trade and the simplification of visa procedures for businessmen and tourists Addressing a joint press conference with Mirziyoyev Khan announced that countries including Uzbekistan Pakistan Tajikistan Iran and Turkey will try and help facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan Dawn news reported We are both concerned as neighbours of Afghanistan that the people of Afghanistan have suffered for the last 40 years he said while referring to the Uzbek leader And as neighbours we feel they are our brothers that there should be peace there there should be a peaceful political settlement So we discussed that in detail and we also resolved that the neighbours  Uzbekistan Tajikistan Iran Pakistan and even Turkey  we will try and help facilitate a peace process in Afganistan In this regard Khan said he hoped that the foreign ministers of the above countries would meet first and then we will go on and try and have a summit so that we can stop what looks like a civil war in Afghanistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/uzbekistan-pakistan-ink-strategic-partnership-deal-141897.html Sun, 18 Jul 2021 02:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistanis-urged-to-get-vaccinated-follow-guidelines-141376.html Islamabad July 15 Asad Umar Chairman of Pakistans National Command and Operation Centre NCOC urged the public to get vaccinated against Covid19 as soon as possible and comply with guidelines issued by the government in an effort to avoid a devastation caused by the DElta variant In a tweet earlier in the day the chairman said that a rapid inflow of infected patients in hospitals as well as in critical care centres were being reported across the country reports Xinhua news agency According to the NCOC a total of 2545 people have tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours raising the countrys overall caseload to 981392 Sindh province has been the worst hit with 351006 cases followed by Punjab with 349111 infections A total of 22689 people have so far succumbed to the disease the NCOC said adding that 2619 patients are currently under treatment in 639 hospitals across the country out of which 2336 are in critical condition The country currently has 42330 active cases across all provinces whereas 916373 others recovered from the disease The vaccination drive in the country has also picked up its pace with over half a million doses administered to the public on Wednesday the NCOC said Some 17336845 people have been partially vaccinated and 4323805 others fully vaccinated of the disease in the country according to the latest official data IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistanis-urged-to-get-vaccinated-follow-guidelines-141376.html Fri, 16 Jul 2021 06:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/9-chinese-workers-among-13-killed-in-pak-bus-mishap-141089.html Peshawar July 14 At least 13 people including nine Chinese workers were killed on Wednesday when the bus they were travelling in reportedly met with an accident in the Kohistan district of Pakistans KhyberPakhtunkhwa province The bus was ferrying workers of the Dasu dam project and scores of other passengers were injured in the mishap according to area officials Speaking to Express News Deputy Commissioner Arif Khan confirmed the death toll and said nine Chinese workers two local workers and two security personnel were among the dead He added that the bus was carrying 41 people at the time of the incident DPO Upper Kohistan said the cause of the incident is being investigated A highlevel delegation of the KP government has reached Kohistan on the instructions of Chief Minister Mehmood Khan The delegation includes Special Assistant to Chief Minister KP for Science and Information Technology Kamran Bangash chief secretary and KP inspectorgeneral of police SACM Bangash said the media would be apprised of the situation after the matter is investigated Other police officials said that rescue and security personnel reached the site soon after the incident and the injured were shifted to a nearby medical facility The area was cordoned off soon after IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/9-chinese-workers-among-13-killed-in-pak-bus-mishap-141089.html Thu, 15 Jul 2021 06:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/mourners-wave-islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-flags-at-peshawar-funeral-140329.html New Delhi July 11 Footage of mourners not only chanting slogans in favour of the Afghan Taliban but also brandishing Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan flags at a funeral in Peshawar went viral on the social media a media report said A police official told The Express Tribune that the incident took place on Friday night when a body was brought to the Regi Lalma area of Peshawar from the Afghan Torkham border The report said Inspector General of Police IGP Khyber Pakhtunkha Moazzam Jahan Ansari said that an investigation is underway to ascertain those behind the reprehensible act A case has now been registered at the Regi Police Station against the Taliban The incident comes off the back of heightened anxiety in both Afghanistan and Pakistan with the draw down of US troops underway in the wartorn country as the Taliban look to claim their stake to power The neighbours have both fallen prey to countless acts of violence at the hands of the Afghan Taliban with terrorists crossing the border to carry out attacks in major cities of Pakistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/mourners-wave-islamic-emirate-of-afghanistan-flags-at-peshawar-funeral-140329.html Mon, 12 Jul 2021 02:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-reports-over-1-700-covid-cases-for-3rd-straight-day-140120.html Islamabad July 10 Pakistan on Saturday reported 1828 new Covid19 cases marking the third consecutive day that the singleday spike remained above 1700 According to the National Command and Operation Center NCOC Saturdays figure was the highest since June 4 when the number stood at 1923 Dawn news reported With the new addition the countrys overall infection tally stood at 971304 Pakistans death toll increased to 22555 while 48134 tests were conducted in the last 24hour period the NCOC reported IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-reports-over-1-700-covid-cases-for-3rd-straight-day-140120.html Sun, 11 Jul 2021 08:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-bans-air-travel-for-unvaccinated-people-140126.html Karachi July 10 Pakistan has imposed a ban on air travel for people who have not been vaccinated against Covid19 a move deemed to curb the further spread of the virus it was reported on Saturday In its announcement on Friday the National Command and OperaÂtion Centre NCOC said the ban will come into effect from August 1 reports Dawn news The latest measures come after an increase in coronavirus cases was witnessed throughout the country as well as the impending threat of an outbreak of the Delta variant Besides the travel ban the NCOC also made it mandatory for all adult students to get themselves vaccinated by August 31 A day after Prime Minister Imran Khan warned about the spread of the Delta variant Asad Umar who also heads the NCOC on Friday admitted that the fourth wave had set in and issued new guidelines to check its spread The NCOC added that various other proposals were under consideration to limit unnecessary movement during Eidul Azha which will be decided in the next few days including a restriction on tourism IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-bans-air-travel-for-unvaccinated-people-140126.html Sun, 11 Jul 2021 09:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/islamic-bloc-head-meets-indian-envoy-discusses-situation-in-jk-139839.html By Hamza Ameer Islamabad July 8 The head of the Islamic bloc Organization of Islamic Cooperation OIC met the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and discussed a number of issues concerning the situation of Muslims in India along with the Jammu and Kashmir dispute with Pakistan The OIC Secretary General Yousef AlOthaimeen also told the Indian Ambassador Ausaf Sayeed about the possibility of a meeting between Pakistan and India stating that the General Secretariat stands ready to assist if the two parties would so request AlOthaimeen met Ausaf Sayeed on July 5 at his office in Jeddah Sayeed had paid a courtesy visit to him During the meeting the Secretary General discussed relevant UN and OIC resolutions opposing any unilateral actions on the issue Meanwhile Pakistans Foreign Office has reacted to the meeting stating that OICs Secretary General underscored its clear and principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute to the Indian envoy In a statement issued in response to media queries about the meeting Pakistan Foreign office stated that the OIC CFM rejected Indias unilateral actions since August 5 2019 The meeting between the OIC Secretary General and the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia on July 5 at the OICs General Secretariat in Jeddah took place in the context of the mandate afforded by Resolution 1047Pol of the 47th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers The Secretary General underscored the OICs principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute during the meeting read a statement issued by the Pakistan Foreign Office The OIC CFM in Niamey in November 2020 categorically rejected Indias unilateral actions since August 5 2019 It also demanded that India rescind its illegal actions and respect the inalienable rights of the Kashmiri people to selfdetermination as promised by numerous UNSC resolutions the statement added Highlighting the resolutions of the OIC the statement maintained that the OIC resolutions inter alia call on the Secretary General to dispatch a factfinding mission to IIOJK to ascertain the situation on ground and report its findings to the next CFM The CFM resolutions also call on the Secretary General to take up the matter with the Indian authorities Pakistan maintains that India has ignored various OIC resolutions and evaded its responsibility of protecting the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people However it was the first time that the principled position of the 57 OIC member states has been duly conveyed to India India should review its policies in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir IIOJK and fully implement UNSC and OIC Resolutions on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute the Pakistan Foreign Office statement read The Jammu and Kashmir dispute has been among the longest standing issues on the OICs agenda Indian illegal and unilateral actions in IIOJK and the continued violation of human rights of the Kashmiri people have been a top priority of the OIC Pakistan appreciates OICs consistent and longstanding support for the Kashmir cause and legitimate rights of the people of IIOJK the statement concluded IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/islamic-bloc-head-meets-indian-envoy-discusses-situation-in-jk-139839.html Sat, 10 Jul 2021 04:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/uk-court-denies-pak-right-to-challenge-jurisdiction-in-reko-diq-case-139848.html By Hamza Ameer London July 8 The judge of a UK court has denied Pakistan the right to level corruption allegations as a defence and challenge the jurisdiction of an arbitral tribunal in the Reko Diq mines case Judge Robin Khowles of the High Court of Justice who was hearing the case Province of Balochistan vs Tethyan Copper Company TCC rejected Balochistans position Balochistan referring to a Supreme Court decision contended that the International Chamber of Commerce ICC tribunal lacked jurisdiction in the Reko Diq case as the underlying agreement was void due to corruption However it was not sufficient to validate that the accusations of corruption had been raised before the tribunal As per the decision the UK arbitration law stops parties from raising issues before the court which had not been mentioned during the arbitration Balochistan has been maintaining that the mining company opted for illegal means and bribed government officials to get advantage in securing licence in the province However the UK judge highlighted that even though the Supreme Court of Pakistan had declared the joint venture void its decision was not based on Pakistans allegations that the agreement had been secured through bribes Descriptions of or references to corruption are insufficient The question with which the corruption allegation is concerned is whether the Supreme Court of Pakistan found that the agreement and related agreements were void due to the existence of corruption Knowles maintained In my judgment it did not If the province has evidence relating to corruption that was not before the ICC tribunal then it is for the province to seek to address those matters with the arbitral tribunal it does not make it legitimate for the province to raise them with the court as a challenge to the jurisdiction of the arbitral tribunal the judge said This is the second time that Pakistans claims have been rejected in the case In 2019 the International Centre of Settlement of Investment Disputes ICSID had rejected Pakistans allegations that former the Chief Minister of Balochistan province Nawaz Aslam Raisani was offered a bribe of 1 million by the Tethyan Copper Company in relation to the Reko Diq mines in 2009 TCC is a joint venture of Barrik Gold Corporation of Australia and Antofagasta PLC of Chile The Reko Diq district in Balochistan is well known for its mineral wealth including gold and copper The dispute was taken up by the ICSID tribunal after TCC claimed 85 billion when the mining authority of Balochistan rejected its application for a multimillion dollar mining lease in the province in 2011 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/uk-court-denies-pak-right-to-challenge-jurisdiction-in-reko-diq-case-139848.html Sat, 10 Jul 2021 06:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistanis-overwhelmingly-prayed-for-india-at-covid-19-peak-study-138406.html Islamabad July 3 Most Pakistanis expressed supportive sentiments towards their Indian neighbours when the latter was reeling under a severe second Covid19 wave said an artificial intelligence AIdriven study The research focused on tweets expressing kindness empathy and solidarity It found out that most tweets that were posted by Pakistani citizens between 21 April and 4 May were positive the Geo TV reported Led by Ashique KhudaBukhsh the team of researchers at Carnegie Mellon University CMU based their study on 300000 tweets The team accepted only the tweets with the three biggest trending hashtags IndiaNeedsOxygen PakistanStandsWithIndia and EndiaSaySorryToKashmir Of them 55712 tweets came from Pakistan 46651 from India and the remaining were posted from the rest of the world With the help of an artificial intelligence tool hope speech classifier they found Pakistani tweets containing supportive hashtags were by far more than those containing nonsupportive hashtags The study found that these tweets received more likes and retweets as well More than 85 per cent of the tweets posted about the Covid crisis in India from Pakistan were supportive the research found Our research showed that theres a universality in how people express emotions If you search randomly youll find positive tweets a little over 44 per cent of the time Our method throws up positive tweets 83 per cent of the time KhudaBukhsh said At a time when Indians were panicked about the raging Covid19 wave they received support and solidarity from across the border Some people justified Pakistans helpful outpouring as the country itself was also faced with an infectious outbreak The situation here was pretty bad too Our hope was getting thinner and thinner Our enemy was the same our borders are so close and we get impacted by whatever happens said Prof Arifa Zehra who teaches history in Lahore A pandemic doesnt recognise borders whether they are geographical or ideological And when the dark cloud is sneering at you theres no harm in sharing a prayer Prof Zehra also termed these positive tweets as the greatest reassurance that we are still human KhudaBukhsh expressed hope for better relations between communities and countries if this method of identifying and amplifying positive messages is employed When a country is going through a national health crisis like a pandemic words of hope can be a welcome medicine and the last thing you want to see is negativity he highlighted There are several studies that show that if youre exposed to too much hate speech or negative content you get influenced by it KhudaBukhsh suggested using this AIdriven method to curb hate speech When theres a negative situation such as in times of war or a health crisis instead of blocking the content an alternative approach can be to highlight the positive content he underscored It will help reinforce the belief that people on the other side of the aisle are kinder KhudaBukhsh also suggested building up a robust system that highlights kindness in others before an opposite system is deployed that may censor empathetic content IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistanis-overwhelmingly-prayed-for-india-at-covid-19-peak-study-138406.html Sat, 03 Jul 2021 16:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/daily-cases-death-surging-again-in-pakistan-138444.html Islamabad July 3 Pakistan is reporting a slow and steady increase in its daily death and coronavirus case counts with 1400 people testing positive for the virus in the last 24 hours As many as 34 more people lost their lives to Covid19 according to the National Command and Operation Centers daily report issued on Saturday morning The national death tally since the pandemic started is 22379 the Geo TV reported Currently the positivity rate stands at 291 This is the third day of more than a 1000 daily new cases and the fourth consecutive day with a positivity rate over 2 per cent The daily coronavirus case load went back over the 1000 cases in a day mark earlier this week on Thursday after the country had been reporting under a 1000 cases daily for more than a week before it NCOCs data showed that 48027 tests were conducted on July 2 and 1400 came back positive for coronavirus The total active Covid19 cases in Pakistan are currently 32319 According to a provincewise breakdown the active cases in Sindh so far are 16985 in Punjab 16973 in Khyber Paktunkhwa 9399 in Islamabad Capital Territory 2225 in Balochistan 1121 in GilgitBaltistan 634 and in Azad Jammu and Kashmir 690 At least 906387 people have recovered so far across Pakistan making it a significant count According to NCOCs figures the total number of cases has reached 961085 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/daily-cases-death-surging-again-in-pakistan-138444.html Sat, 03 Jul 2021 19:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-injured-in-pak-blast-138206.html Islamabad July 2 Four people were injured in a blast in Quetta capital of Pakistans Balochistan province local reports said The explosion targeted a security forces convoy in the city on Thursday night Xinhua news agency quoted the reports as saying Fire erupted in one of the vehicles following the explosion The impact was so strong that window panes of nearby houses were also destroyed The injured were shifted to a nearby military hospital while a state of emergency has also been declared in Civil Hospital Quetta to meet any untoward situation the reports added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-injured-in-pak-blast-138206.html Fri, 02 Jul 2021 20:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-reports-major-decrease-in-daily-covid-cases-137483.html Islamabad June 30 Pakistan has continued to report major decreases in the number of daily Covid19 cases the National Command and Operation Center NCOC said In its latest update the NCOC said there were 735 new infections in the last 24 hours which marked the lowest singleday spike since October 25 last year when 707 cases were registered Xinhua news agency reported The NCOC the department leading Pakistans campaign against the pandemic said the total tally of confirmed cases has risen to 956392 in the country including 901985 recoveries According to the NCOC 23 more patients lost their lives also in the same period raising the overall death toll to 22254 Pakistans eastern Punjab province is the worsthit region with 346036 infections followed by the southern Sindh province which reported 336507 cases in total The Covid positivity rate stands currently at 178 per cent in Pakistan as the country continues to inoculate its population in efforts to contain the spread of the pandemic according to the NCOC IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-reports-major-decrease-in-daily-covid-cases-137483.html Wed, 30 Jun 2021 10:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/5-pak-soldiers-killed-in-terror-attack-136484.html Quetta June 26 A group of terrorists attacked a patrolling unit of the Pakistan Frontier Corps a paramilitary force and killed five soldiers in Balochistan province a statement from the military said The InterServices Public Relations ISPR the media wing of the Pakistan Army said the attack took place on Friday in the Sangan area of Sibi district reports Xinhua news agency According to the statement the attack triggered a heavy exchange which resulted in the loss of five soldiers During the exchange of fire heavy losses were inflicted on to the terrorists in men and materials said the ISPR adding that a search operation was underway to block the escape routes of the terrorists and apprehend the perpetrators The statement said such cowardly acts by inimical elements could not sabotage the hardearned peace and prosperity in Balochistan No group has claimed the attack yet IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/5-pak-soldiers-killed-in-terror-attack-136484.html Sat, 26 Jun 2021 17:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/new-transmission-line-under-cpec-to-help-stabilise-paks-power-system-official-136432.html Islamabad June 26 Pakistans Energy Minister Hammad Azhar said here on Friday that the Â660kV MatiariLahore highvoltage direct current HVDC transmission project under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC will bring stability to the power system of the country Addressing the transmission ceremony of the project held simultaneously in Islamabad and Chinas Beijing through video link Azhar said the project will enhance the transmission capability in Pakistan and bring relief to consumers the Xinhua news agency reported The project has brought new technology to Pakistan and will evacuate power from power plants located in Sindh to northern load centres to meet their energy needs the minister added The CPEC is of utmost importance for Pakistan It will enable the country to enhance industrial production upgrade energy and communication infrastructure and improve connectivity within the region he said Speaking at the ceremony in Beijing Zhang Jianhua head of Chinas National Energy Administration said the MatiariLahore transmission line is the first largescale transmission project of the CPEC which will become the backbone transmission channel of the new structure of the Pakistani power grid after being put into commercial operation providing a solid assurance for power transmission in the south and power supply in the north of Pakistan Speaking at the event in Islamabad Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong said the CPEC has entered a new phase of highquality development focusing on industrial agricultural and socioeconomic cooperation He said the MatiariLahore project will contribute to the stable power supply in Pakistan and promote the industrialization of the country The construction of the MatiariLahore transmission project started in December 2018 and around 7000 jobs had been created for the locals during the construction period The project is expected to be put into commercial operation later this year and can transmit electricity of over 30 billion kilowatthours annually IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/new-transmission-line-under-cpec-to-help-stabilise-paks-power-system-official-136432.html Sat, 26 Jun 2021 13:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/blast-near-hafiz-saeeds-house-in-lahore-claims-2-lives-injures-over-15-135908.html By Hamza Ameer Lahore June 23 At least two people have died while over 15 persons have been critically injured in a massive bomb blast in the Joher town area in Lahore on Wednesday As per police sources an explosive laden vehicle exploded near a police checkpost located near the Allah Hu Boulevard in Joher town The intensity of the blast was so severe that several nearby buildings developed cracks while the windowpanes of many houses and vehicles parked in the area were shattered Official sources confirmed that the injured persons include women and children who have been taken to nearby hospitals Local people have been urged to visit the hospitals to donate blood The injured persons also include police officers who are also being treated in the nearby hospitals Their condition is stated to be critical Security forces have cordoned off the area while the officers of the Counter Terrorism Department are working towards ascertaining the cause of the blast We will only be able to determine the cause after carrying out an investigation said Inam Ghani Inspector General of Punjab Police As per eyewitnesses the intensity of the blast was huge However some of the eyewitnesses claimed that the explosive was planted on a motorcycle It is pertinent to mention here that the target of the vehicle carrying the explosives may have been the residence of Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed whose house is located in the same area The security checkpost near which the blast occurred is close to the residence of Hafiz Saeed Ghani said that the target of the attackers seems to be the security officials Meanwhile Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has taken note of the blast and has directed the IG to investigate the matter and submit a report on priority Those responsible for the blast should be brought under the law Budzar said Meanwhile Ghani said that a foreign hand is always present in such terror attacks adding that hostile foreign agencies trying to target security officials and spread fear would not succeed in defeating the ongoing fight against terrorism IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/blast-near-hafiz-saeeds-house-in-lahore-claims-2-lives-injures-over-15-135908.html Thu, 24 Jun 2021 16:46:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-iran-goods-train-service-suspended-after-derailment-134734.html Islamabad June 20 The goods train service between Pakistan and Iran was suspended after a freight train derailed in Balochistan province sources said At least six bogies of the freight train which was on its way to the provincial capital city of Quetta from Iranian Zahedan city derailed on Saturday near Dalbandin in Chagai district the Pakistan Railways sources told Xinhua news agency They added that no one was injured in the incident The sources said that the incident occurred due to overspeeding of the train on the dilapidated PakistanIran railway track adding that around about 30 metres of it was affected after the incident and repair work has been started Additional rescue teams have been dispatched from Quetta to the area to restore the train service expeditiously the sources added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-iran-goods-train-service-suspended-after-derailment-134734.html Sun, 20 Jun 2021 11:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-teachers-injured-during-firing-on-school-van-in-pak-134761.html Islamabad June 20 Four teachers were injured after unidentified gunmen open fire on a school van in Pakistans Balochistan province local reports said The gunmen ambushed the school van in Mastung district on Saturday and attacked it when the female teachers were on their way back home after taking classes Xinhua news agency quoted the reports as saying The injured women were shifted to a nearby hospital where their condition is said to be stable No group or individual has claimed the attack yet Police have cordoned off the area and an investigation to ascertain the motive of the attack in underway IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-teachers-injured-during-firing-on-school-van-in-pak-134761.html Sun, 20 Jun 2021 13:56:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-covid-caseload-reaches-946-227-134457.html Islamabad June 18 Pakistan reported 1043 new Covid19 cases in the last 24 hours increasing the overall infection tally to 946227 the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said on Friday The NCOC also said that the countrys total recoveries rose to 888505 reports Xinhua news agency The number of active cases under treatment dropped to 35809 including 2413 in critical condition According to the NCOC the pandemic killed another 39 people in the same period raising the overall death toll to 21913 Punjab province is the worsthit region with 344641 Covid infections and 10603 deaths followed by the southern Sindh province which reported 330552 cases and 5306 fatalities IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-covid-caseload-reaches-946-227-134457.html Sat, 19 Jun 2021 07:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-covid-tally-reaches-943-027-133823.html Islamabad June 15 Pakistans overall Covid19 caseload has reached 943027 after an additional 838 people tested positive for the virus the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said on Tuesday According to the NCOC the country has recorded 880316 recoveries so far reports Xinhua news agency There are 40929 active cases are under treatment across the country including 2611 who are in critical condition According to the NCOC the pandemic killed 59 people on Monday increasing the death toll to 21782 Pakistans Punjab province and Sindh province are the worsthit regions of the country with 344196 and 328663 infections respectively IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistans-covid-tally-reaches-943-027-133823.html Wed, 16 Jun 2021 01:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-soldiers-killed-in-pakistan-ied-blast-133658.html Islamabad June 15 Four soldiers of the paramilitary Frontier Corps FC were killed in an improvised explosive device explosion in Pakistans Balochistan province an army statement said The blast took place in the provincial capital of Quetta on Monday the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations ISPR said in the statement A largescale area sanitisation operation by FC Balochistan to hunt the terrorists is underway Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying The ISPR said in the statement that such cowardly acts by inimical elements cannot sabotage the hardearned peace and prosperity in Balochistan Security forces are determined to neutralize their nefarious designs even at the cost of blood and lives it added Located along the PakistanAfghanistan border Balochistan have faced serious security challenges from terrorists based within the province and across the border in the past A spike in terrorist activities in the province has been witnessed over the last few months with frequent attacks targeting security forces and civilians IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-soldiers-killed-in-pakistan-ied-blast-133658.html Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-reports-1-019-new-covid-cases-133480.html Islamabad June 14 Pakistan registered 1019 new Covid19 cases in the last 24 hours which increased the overall infection tally to 942189 the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said on Monday According to the NCOC the total active cases have dropped to 41726 by more than 26000 cases in the last 30 days Xinhua news agency reported NCOC data revealed that 2676 patients are still in critical condition The NCOC also said the pandemic killed 34 people on Sunday raising the overall death toll to 21723 Pakistans Punjab province has continued to be the worsthit region with 344065 infections and 10516 deaths followed by the Sindh province where 328184 infected people were confirmed and 5243 of them lost their lives IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-reports-1-019-new-covid-cases-133480.html Mon, 14 Jun 2021 20:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/storm-triggered-incidents-kill-5-in-pakistan-133152.html Islamabad June 13 Five people were killed and six others injured in separate rain and windstormtriggered incidents in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the Provincial Disaster Management Authority PDMA said Eight houses also collapsed when heavy rains coupled with strong winds lashed the province the PDMA said in a statement on Saturday The district administration of all areas of the province was directed to stay alert for providing rescue and relief activities if some weatherrelated emergency occurs in their districts Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying Meanwhile one of the main highways in a tourist attraction of Chitral district was blocked due to erosion of a river passing by it and efforts to repair and find an alternate path for vehicles is underway the PDMA said The injured people were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the neighbouring Punjab province on Sunday issuing a warning of urban flooding in lowlying areas The weather office also advised tourists intending to visit resorts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and upper Punjab to check weather conditions before planning their trip IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/storm-triggered-incidents-kill-5-in-pakistan-133152.html Sun, 13 Jun 2021 13:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-economy-grows-394-with-v-shaped-recovery-132811.html Islamabad June 11 Pakistans Vshaped economic recovery on the back of broadbased growth across all sectors has enabled it to witness a 394 per cent growth during the first nine months of FY21 July 2020March 2021 Unveiling the economic survey on Thursday on the eve of the presentation of the budget for FY22 July 2021June 2022 in the National Assembly Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said that the growth exceeded the governments target of 21 per cent as manufacturing and services sectors made remarkable progress during the ongoing financial year reports Xinhua news agency The economic survey is an annual report on the performance of the economy focusing in particular on major macroeconomic indicators The survey said that manufacturing has witnessed broadbased growth as major sectors of largescale manufacturing including textile food beverages and tobacco nonmetallic mineral products and automobile have shown significant improvement due to which the first nine months of FY21 recorded the highest periodwise growth of 899 per cent since 2007 Tax collection of the Federal Board of Revenue also witnessed a significant growth of around 18 per cent during JulyMay FY21 owing to the revival of domestic economic activity and ongoing comprehensive tax policy and administrative reforms it added Shedding light on the impact of Covid19 on the economy the survey said that the economy was recovering from macroeconomic imbalances before 2020 but the pandemic slowed down the pace which was recovered initially and the advent of the second and third wave brought significant challenges which were met by the timely prudent policies The finance minister showed resolve to further grow the economy after its recovery from the pandemicstricken FY20 by taking measures to uplift agricultural and industrial sectors and widening the tax net by bringing reforms in the Federal Board of Revenue IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-economy-grows-394-with-v-shaped-recovery-132811.html Sat, 12 Jun 2021 05:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/18-killed-in-pak-road-accident-132823.html Islamabad June 11 At least 18 people were killed and over 30 others injured when a passenger bus overturned in Pakistans Balochistan province local media reported on Friday The accident occurred when the bus was taking a sharp turn with high speed reports Xinhua news agency According to the local media reports the victims have been shifted to a local hospital in Khuzdar and among the injured six people are in critical condition The passenger bus was on its way to Khuzdar from Larkana district of Pakistans southern Sindh province IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/18-killed-in-pak-road-accident-132823.html Sat, 12 Jun 2021 07:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/two-cops-guarding-polio-vaccine-workers-killed-in-pakistan-132354.html Islamabad June 9 Gunmen shot dead two policemen guarding a team of polio vaccine workers in northwestern Pakistan on Wednesday police said in the latest apparent attack on the campaign to eradicate the disease The attack occurred in Mardan district of the conservative and volatile province of KhyberPakhtunkhwa dpa reported The health workers escaped the attack unhurt police official Jumma Gul told dpa Pakistan is two days into a fiveday vaccination drive as part of a UNfunded campaign aimed at eradicating polio which is still prevalent in Pakistan and Afghanistan The campaign is targeting more than 30 million children under the age of 5 We are in contact with local administration and assessing the situation for continuation of the campaign a Health Ministry official said The health workers mostly young women and police guards go doortodoor across the country to vaccinate children up to the age of five multiple times a year Militants linked with alQaeda often attack health workers Dozens of vaccine handlers and security officials have been killed by Taliban militants in the past The militants accuse the health workers of acting as spies and claim the polio vaccine is intended to make Muslim children sterile Pakistan started a polio programme in 1994 and came very close to eliminating polio but recorded 147 cases a fiveyear high in 2019 amid vaccine boycotts and attacks on health workers According to official statistics only one case of polio has been reported so far this year IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/two-cops-guarding-polio-vaccine-workers-killed-in-pakistan-132354.html Thu, 10 Jun 2021 09:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-govt-plans-to-raise-tax-on-cigarettes-132284.html Islamabad June 9 Pakistans health ministry has proposed a 30 per cent hike in the tax rates for the cigarette industry in the upcoming Budget 202122 The federal government is reviewing three different tax proposals geotv reported Tobacco companies however proposed no change to the tax rates and say they will bring the tax amount from Rs134 billion to Rs155 billion The News reported The FBR has collected a tax amount of Rs134 billion during the current fiscal year Multinational giants have proposed no change in the tax rates of the two tier system and committed to add Rs21 billion to FBRs tax collection amount If the muchawaited track and trace system is implemented the FBR collection may go up to Rs175 billion in the next fiscal year Local cigarette manufacturers from Mardan and AJK have suggested the government reduce excise duty on local brands but they did not make any commitment to increase revenue The following are the three different tax proposals being reviewed by the government The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination has recommended a 30 increase in excise duty and projected a Rs18 billion increase in revenue This would increase excise duty rates in the second tier from the existing rate of Rs 1650 per thousand cigarettes to Rs 2145 per thousand cigarettes resulting in a Rs 30 to Rs 50 increase in the prices of dutypaid brands To the common man this could be an ideal proposition which seems to be aimed at increasing the governments revenues and may also reduce the addiction to smoking said one analyst The second proposal being pushed by Mardan and AJKbased tobacco conglomerates primarily seeks reduction in excise duty through a differentiated excise structure but without any increase of revenue commitments The introduction of a separate third tier has been suggested as well solely for local companies to operate in IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-govt-plans-to-raise-tax-on-cigarettes-132284.html Thu, 10 Jun 2021 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/paks-covid-positivity-rate-drops-below-3-this-yr-132039.html Islamabad June 8 Amid strict measures and a vaccination drive against coronavirus Pakistan has reported a Covid19 positivity rate below 3 per cent for the first time in 2021 the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said on Tuesday According to the data from the NCOC the country conducted 46882 tests on Monday across the country bringing out 1383 new cases with a positivity rate of 295 per cent reports Xinhua news agency In March and April this year the country witnessed a positivity ratio of over 11 per cent for several times leading the government to impose strict measures including the closure of educational institutes markets public parks wedding halls restaurants public transport and all other large gatherings With the start of May the positivity rate dropped to below 10 per cent and it went down to below 5 per cent on May 22 and finally fell to below 3 pe rcent on Monday according to the data from the NCOC Pakistans overall number of cases rose to 935013 including 867447 recoveries since February last year when the country reported its first Covid infection There is a total of 46190 active cases across the country including 3196 those who are in critical condition According to the NCOC the pandemic killed 53 people during the last 24 hours increasing the overall death toll to 21376 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/paks-covid-positivity-rate-drops-below-3-this-yr-132039.html Wed, 09 Jun 2021 02:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-killed-in-pak-gas-cylinder-blast-131860.html Ghotki Railway workers rebuild the track at the site of a train collision in the Ghotki district southern Pakistan Tuesday June 8 2021 The death toll from a deadly train accident in southern Pakistan jumped to dozens on Tuesday after rescuers pulled a dozen more bodies from crumpled cars of two trains that collided on a dilapidated railway track a day ago an official said as rescue work continued even 24 hours after the incident to find any survivors PTI Islamabad June 8 At least eight people were killed and five others injured in a gas cylinder blast in Pakistans Balochistan province The incident took place on Monday evening in a welding workshop in Mashkel Washuk district Xinhua news agency reported Police and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to a hospital The blast also destroyed four other shops A witness said the explosion occurred when workers were using a welding machine to repair a gas cylinder The victims comprised five Afghan nationals and three locals IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-killed-in-pak-gas-cylinder-blast-131860.html Tue, 08 Jun 2021 11:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/1-dead-17-missing-as-passenger-van-plunges-into-pak-river-131993.html Islamabad June 8 One person was killed and 17 others were reported missing after a passenger van plunged into a river in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province a rescue official said The body of a woman has been recovered Muhamad Hamza an official of emergency rescue service Rescue 1122 in Upper Kohistan told Xinhua news agency late Monday adding that rescue teams have been searching for other missing passengers of the van The incident happened when the driver lost control of the vehicle carrying 18 people while giving a sharp turn The passenger van then veered off into the Indus River in the Pani Bagh area of Upper Kohistan and got submerged immediately said the official He said professional divers of the rescue service along with local volunteers have been taking part in the rescue activities adding that another team of trained divers has also been dispatched from Peshawar city to speed up the rescue operation The van was travelling from Chilas to Rawalpindi IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/1-dead-17-missing-as-passenger-van-plunges-into-pak-river-131993.html Tue, 08 Jun 2021 20:59:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-launches-polio-vaccination-drive-as-covid-cases-drop-131759.html Islamabad June 7 Pakistan launched a campaign on Monday to vaccinate millions of children against polio as new coronavirus cases decline in the country officials said The fiveday campaign will target more than 30 million children under the age of five reports dpa news agency Around 223000 frontline workers will spread out across 124 of the countrys 154 districts to administer the oral drops following Covid19 safety protocols According to official statistics only one case of polio has been reported so far this year Backtoback antipolio drives during the Covid19 lockdown that helped us reach maximum children in highrisk areas and improved security are behind decline in new cases a Health Ministry official told dpa Pakistan and Afghanistan are among only a few countries in the world where polio is still endemic The country came very close to eliminating polio but recorded 147 cases a fiveyear high in 2019 amid vaccine boycotts and attacks on health workers Pakistan started a polio programme in 1994 but the work of the health workers was repeatedly hampered by violent incidents by extremists The UNfunded drive to vaccinate children under the age of five also faces opposition from religious conservatives who believe the vaccine administered in multiple rounds is intended to make Muslim children sterile The polio vaccination drive started as the country witnesses a decline in daily new infections of coronavirus and educational institutions reopen The ratio of coronavirus tests returning positive has dropped below 4 per cent this week from more than 10 per cent during most of AprilMay period A total of 922824 people have been infected in Pakistan with 21323 deaths so far according to the national statistics IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-launches-polio-vaccination-drive-as-covid-cases-drop-131759.html Tue, 08 Jun 2021 00:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-killed-after-passenger-van-falls-into-pak-ravine-131580.html Islamabad June 7 A passenger van plunged into a ravine in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province claiming eight lives while injuring at least three others a government official said The incident took place on Sunday when the van tumbled off the road near the Phulda area of Mansehra district Deputy Commissioner of Mansehra Qasim Ali Khan told Xinhua news agency Two women and three children were among the killed said the official adding that initial investigation showed that the accident happened when the van driver lost control over the vehicle while negotiating a sharp turn due to overspeeding Following the accident rescue teams and local volunteers reached the site and retrieved bodies and the injured and shifted them to a nearby hospital where several of the injured are in critical condition police told local media The van was carrying the passengers from Mansehra to the neighbouring Lassan Nawab town IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-killed-after-passenger-van-falls-into-pak-ravine-131580.html Mon, 07 Jun 2021 12:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-most-at-risk-due-to-climate-change-pm-130908.html Islamabad June 3 Pakistan is among the countries most at risk due to climate change Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday We are more vulnerable than Bangladesh due to the melting of our glaciers It is not our fault There are giants that contribute to carbon emissions but countries like us face the consequences Dawn news quoted Khan as saying at an event here For the first time in the US President Joe Bidens administration is focusing on climate change The previous administration was not thinking about environmental degradation he added Khan reiterated that it was imperative to take steps to protect the environment which include making national parks planting trees and carrying out urban forestry We need to utilise all available resources to increase the number of trees in the country The Prime Minister lauded that fact that mangroves had increased in the country during the last 20 years despite deforestation Regarding awareness about climate change among the public especially among school children he said We need to take this further so that our entire country is focused on ensuring a better future for coming generations IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-most-at-risk-due-to-climate-change-pm-130908.html Fri, 04 Jun 2021 17:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-tajikistan-agree-to-further-deepen-ties-130744.html Islamabad June 3 Pakistan and Tajikistan have agreed to further deepen bilateral relations in diverse fields with a special focus on promoting trade and economic cooperation according to a joint declaration issued by the Prime Ministers Office in Islamabad According to the declaration both sides reached the understanding during a meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and visiting Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on Wednesday Xinhua news agency reported A Tajik delegation led by Rahmon arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday on a twoday visit and held a series of meetings and signed several agreements and memorandums of understanding with the Pakistani side including cooperation in culture trade investment transport energy tourism education connectivity climate change and peopletopeople contacts Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the steadily growing relations between Pakistan and Tajikistan and expressed their resolve to elevate bilateral ties to a new level of strategic cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two countries and peoples During the talks the two sides accorded particular focus to bolstering bilateral economic and trade ties by exploring new opportunities and avenues and vowed to regularly convene meetings of PakistanTajikistan Joint Commission on Trade Economic and ScientificTechnical Cooperation The leaders also agreed to enhance the role of the Joint Business Council to organize trade exhibitions and business forums on a regular basis and create an investorfriendly environment in the two countries to encourage and facilitate joint investments Khan apprised the visiting president of the operationalization of the Gwadar port and offered Tajikistan to avail the facility of Pakistani seaports and the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC The two leaders also agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security to overcome the common security challenges and also emphasized the need to enhance cooperation in counterterrorism combating crossborder organised crimes and human and drug trafficking Both leaders expressed serious concern over Covid19 and emphasized the importance of international solidarity and cooperation as well as joint efforts for affordable and equitable supply and distribution of vaccines to all countries to combat the pandemic effectively IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-tajikistan-agree-to-further-deepen-ties-130744.html Fri, 04 Jun 2021 08:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-reports-less-than-2-000-new-cases-for-2nd-consecutive-day-130344.html Islamabad June 2 With 1843 new infections Pakistan on Wednesday reported less than 2000 coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day pushing the national tally to 924667 countrywide The positivity ratio across the country stands at 39 per cent Pakistan has now reported a positivity ratio below 5 per cent for the ninth consecutive day as the country treads towards recovery According to the official data provided by the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC about 47183 tests were conducted during the past 24 hours out of which 1843 returned positive the Geo TV reported At least 80 people lost the battle to coronavirus during the last 24 hours taking the total death toll to 20930 across the country The countrys singleday Covid19 daily death toll remains below 100 for the 12th consecutive day today The number of active cases stands at 55052 whereas about 848685 people have recovered from the virus so far According to the official portal the total number of coronavirus patients in Sindh has reached 309647 while 4920 people have died so far In Punjab the total number of Covid19 patients is 334760 and 9784 people have died so far due to the virus while the total number of patients in Balochistan is 24583 and death toll has reached 270 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has recorded a total of 129883 virus patients with 6202 deaths while in Azad Kashmir 18808 people have been infected with the virus and 532 people have died IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-reports-less-than-2-000-new-cases-for-2nd-consecutive-day-130344.html Wed, 02 Jun 2021 17:26:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/10-dead-in-pak-rain-related-incidents-130182.html Islamabad June 1 At least 10 people were killed and three others injured in different rainrelated incidents in Pakistans Punjab province local media reported on Tuesday According to the reports a roof collapsed in Tariq Abad area of Okara city during a thunderstorm leaving eight people dead and three injured Xinhua news agency reported Local residents and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the bodies and the injured to a hospital The victims comprised three women four children and a man while the identity of the injured is not known yet In another incident a person died after a wall collapsed in Hujra Shah Muqeem area Another man lost his life after he was hit by lightning in Toba Tek Singh district The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms along with strong winds in different parts of the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/10-dead-in-pak-rain-related-incidents-130182.html Wed, 02 Jun 2021 03:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/paks-covid-positivity-rate-below-5-for-6th-day-129727.html Islamabad May 31 Pakistans Covid19 positivity rate has remained below the 5 per cent mark for six straight days as strict restrictive measures backed by vaccination enabled this declining trend the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said According to data released by the NCOC on Sunday Pakistan conducted 55965 tests on May 29 detecting 2697 new coronavirus infections with a positivity rate of 482 per cent reports Xinhua news agency Earlier in March and April Pakistan saw a positivity ratio of over 11 per cent several times leading to the government to impose strict measures including the closure of educational institutions markets public parks wedding halls restaurants public transport and all other venues of mass gatherings especially during the Eid alFitr festival In May the positivity rate dropped to over 9 per cent and went down further to below 5 per cent the official data showed According to the NCOC the total number of confirmed cases of Covid in Pakistan has risen to 918936 with 839322 recoveries 58878 active cases and 20736 deaths Pakistan has so far administered 7093803 doses of the Covid19 vaccine IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/paks-covid-positivity-rate-below-5-for-6th-day-129727.html Mon, 31 May 2021 13:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-meets-iraqi-leaders-to-boost-bilateral-ties-129569.html Baghdad May 30 Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi held meetings with Iraqi leaders during his official visit to Baghdad to strengthen bilateral ties in various fields Iraqi President Barham Salih met with Qureshi on Saturday and the two sides discussed bilateral relations and stressed the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism to stabilise the region and the world Xinhua news agency reported The world and the region in particular are facing the challenges of terrorism extremism and the escalation of tensions that affect global security and stability Salih said Iraqs close relations with the Arab world Islamic neighbouring countries and its relations with the international community are a cornerstone of security stability and development in the region For his part Qureshi affirmed his countrys commitment to supporting Iraqs security and sovereignty and expressed aspiration towards consolidating bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields with Iraq Qureshi also met Prime Minister Mustafa alKadhimi as the two discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Baghdad and Islamabad in the security economic and military fields They also discussed the file of religious visits as Pakistan wants to facilitate visa procedures for Pakistani visitors to Iraq Moreover Qureshi conveyed an invitation from the Pakistani leadership for alKadhimi to visit Pakistan Qureshi also met his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein At a press conference after the meeting Hussein said that he discussed with Qureshi the export of Iraqi oil to the Pakistani market cooperation in the agricultural and industrial fields in addition to encouraging religious tourism between the two countries For his part Qureshi told reporters that his country is looking forward to more cooperation with Iraq in the fields of combating terrorism and religious tourism stressing Pakistans commitment to supporting Iraq in all fields Qureshi arrived at Baghdad airport on Friday and was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Salih alTamimi IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-meets-iraqi-leaders-to-boost-bilateral-ties-129569.html Sun, 30 May 2021 22:54:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/unga-prez-pak-fm-highlight-importance-of-multilateralism-129108.html Islamabad May 28 Visiting UN General Assembly UNGA President Volkan Bozkir and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi have stressed on the importance of multilateralism and joint efforts to solve regional and global challenges Bozkir who arrived here on Wednesday on a threeday official visit to Pakistan told a joint press conference on Thursday that all the international and regional issues can be solved by practicing the policy of multilateralism reports Xinhua news agency We can deal with international financial problems and other challenges successfully by joint efforts only the UNGA President said adding that the UN forum has provided proper solutions to several issues and ready to achieve more successes Qureshi said that Pakistan always adopts an approach of multilateralism on regional and international issues and supports the solution of all conflicts under the UN Pakistan has been contributing actively to multilateralism and supporting the central role of the UN for the realisation of shared objectives of maintaining international peace and security economic and social development promotion and protection of human rights as enshrined in the purposes and principles of the UN Charter he said Bozkir also hailed Pakistans role in the Afghan peace process and said a solution of the issue will not only benefit the wartorn nation but will also have positive effects on Pakistan and the region as well IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/unga-prez-pak-fm-highlight-importance-of-multilateralism-129108.html Sat, 29 May 2021 02:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/unidentified-men-attack-scribe-in-islamabad-128773.html Islamabad May 26 Three unidentified masked men assaulted journalist Asad Toor at his home here Geo News reported Toor was later shifted to the hospital The Islamabad police is investigating the incident Closedcircuit television camera footage obtained by Geo News shows the suspects fleeing after assaulting the journalist In the video three suspects wearing masks can be seen leaving Toors apartment The video also showed an injured Toor walking out of the apartment with his hands and feet tied calling for help Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry took notice of the incident and instructed the Islamabad SSP to investigate the attack AttorneyGeneral Khalid Javed Khan spoke to Geo News about the attack on Toor saying that the federal capital is not a forest We are bringing a bill for the protection of journalists Such incidents are intolerable he said He said the issue has been discussed with the home secretary and Islamabad IG Anyone involved in violence against journalists should be punished Khan said The attack on journalist Asad Toor is reprehensible said PMLN spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb She said the government should ensure security for journalists instead of giving lectures on protection of journalists The government has failed to bring the accused to justice Aurangzeb said PMLN Vice President Maryam Nawaz and PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto too condemned the attack on Toor IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/unidentified-men-attack-scribe-in-islamabad-128773.html Thu, 27 May 2021 22:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/unga-prez-visits-pakistan-128725.html Islamabad Pakistans Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi right and UN General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir arrive for a joint press conference in Islamabad Pakistan Thursday May 27 2021 Pakistans foreign minister urged the UN General Assembly President Bozkir to play his role in reviving the peace process to resolve the issue with the Palestinians saying the recent ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas militant group that rules Gaza was a good step but the fire has not yet fully extinguished Bozkir is on a visit to Islamabad to hold talks with Pakistani leadership on various issues PTI Islamabad May 27 Volkan Bozkir President of the 75th session of the UN General Assembly has arrived here on a threeday visit to Pakistan Bozkirs visit to Pakistan comes at the invitation of Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday It added that during his stay the UNGA President will have detailed talks with the Foreign Minister and call on the Pakistani leadership The interactions will cover a wide range of political and socioeconomic issues on the UN agenda the Ministry said in a statement Bozkir will also deliver a speech on the importance of multilateralism the statement said The visit of Bozkir would lend an opportunity to showcase Pakistans active contributions to multilateralism and the central role of the United Nations in international affairs the Ministry statement added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/unga-prez-visits-pakistan-128725.html Thu, 27 May 2021 18:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-literacy-rate-stagnates-at-60-survey-128033.html Islamabad May 24 A new survey by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics PBS has revealed that the countrys literacy rate among children aged 10 and above has stagnated at 60 per cent The survey has shown that net enrolments at the primary middle and matric levels across provinces have either remained stagnant or shown decreasing trends The Express Tribune reported on Sunday Enrolments at all levels are highest in Punjab followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa KP and Sindh while they are the lowest in Balochistan it said There are 32 per cent children aged five16 years who are currently out of school highest percentage of out of school children is in Balochistan 47 per cent and lowest in Punjab 26 per cent the PBS survey said Rajanpur in Punjab Thatta in Sindh Kohistan and Bajur in the KP and Harnai Qillah Abdullah and Ziarat in Balochistan are at the bottom in education indicators within their respective provinces it added According to Unesco data the literacy rate among people aged 15 and above in Pakistan as of September 2020 stood at 59 per cent IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-literacy-rate-stagnates-at-60-survey-128033.html Tue, 25 May 2021 01:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-records-lowest-covid-19-positivity-ratio-127767.html Islamabad May 23 Pakistan on Sunday reported its lowest number of positive coronavirus results in three months as life returns to normal and business activity and educational institutions reopen gradually The national positivity ratio was recorded at 496 per cent its lowest since March according to the Health Ministry There were 3084 new cases out of the 62061 tests conducted during the last 24 hours dpa news agency reported Pakistan has so far recorded 900522 cases and 20251 deaths Most of the deaths occurred during the ongoing third wave as a majority of the new patients were infected by a variant first found in Britain A downward trend in the number of new infections encouraged authorities to ease coronavirusrelated restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the virus National Command and Operation Centre NCOC the body responsible for the countrys response to the pandemic will allow the reopening of markets businesses and educational institutions in districts where Covid19 positivity ratio is less than 5 per cent to start on Monday Meanwhile educational institutions nationwide will be reopened in a staggered manner from June 7 The tourism sector will also be reopened under strict Covid19 protocols also starting on Monday Meanwhile a free vaccination drive has started picking up pace with reports of more than 5 million doses administered A Health Ministry spokesperson said that more vaccination centres are being set up across the country as more people are getting themselves registered IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-records-lowest-covid-19-positivity-ratio-127767.html Mon, 24 May 2021 03:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/cpec-to-bring-economic-development-for-pak-entire-region-pm-127837.html Islamabad May 24 Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC will bring economic development not only for Islamabad but also for the entire region The allweather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China is unprecedented Xinhua news agency quoted Khan as saying while chairing a review meeting here on Sunday on the progress of the CPEC projects and investment promotion He noted that in order to transform these relations into strong economic ties it was necessary to promote investment in areas of mutual interest and provide all possible incentives to investors During the meeting Khan expressed satisfaction over the pace of work on the special economic zones under CPEC which are expected to promote Pakistans industrialization and help the country attract more investment the prime minister office said in a statement Reviewing the facilities provided by the government to the Chinese investors and the problems faced by them Khan emphasized that all the huddles should be removed on a priority basis and all possible incentives should be given to investors to improve ease of doing business and investment environment in the country The Prime Minister also directed the concerned departments to take immediate steps to eradicate obstacles in the issuance of longterm visas to foreign investors especially Chinese investors The CPEC is a flagship 62 billion project of Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative that aims to connect Asia Africa and Europe through a vast network of highways rail lines and sea lanes The multibillion dollar corridor connects the Chinese city of Kashgar with Pakistans Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/cpec-to-bring-economic-development-for-pak-entire-region-pm-127837.html Mon, 24 May 2021 11:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-starts-covid-vaccination-for-30-39-age-group-127530.html Islamabad May 23 Pakistan has started the vaccination against Covid19 for people from 30 to 39 years of age an official said Asad Umar chief of the National Command and Operation Center NCOC told the media that the vaccination for the 3039 age group started on Saturday and would continue for an indefinite period while urging the Pakistani people to receive the jab reports Xinhua news agency Pakistan has already been vaccinating people aged 40 and above across the country According to the NCOC the country has administered 4956853 doses of the Covid19 vaccine till date with 1193441 people fully inoculated The NCOC said in a statement on Saturday that 4007 new confirmed cases of Covid19 were recorded in Pakistan during the last 24 hours bringing the total tally to 897468 The countrys eastern Punjab province was the worsthit region with 333057 confirmed cases reported in total followed by Sindh with 306707 infections said the NCOC An additional 88 people died from the pandemic in Pakistan in the last 24 hours raising the Covid death toll to 20177 said the statement It added that the number of recoveries stood at 813855 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-starts-covid-vaccination-for-30-39-age-group-127530.html Sun, 23 May 2021 09:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/power-supply-restored-in-most-karachi-areas-after-major-breakdown-127681.html Karachi May 23 Following a major power breakdown in Karachi amid the scorching heat electricity supply has been restored in most areas of the coastal city the media reported on Sunday The power supply was cut off at 230 pm on Saturday and resumed after four to five hours reports The Express Tribune During this time due to load management some areas may experience power interruption due to load management inconvenience is regretted power utility company KElectric KE said in a tweet The suspension of power also affected the water supply to the city from Dhabeji pumping station The most affected areas included Korangi Shah Faisal Colony Malir Cattle Colony North Karachi Baldia Town and Orangi Town IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/power-supply-restored-in-most-karachi-areas-after-major-breakdown-127681.html Sun, 23 May 2021 19:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-china-ties-growing-day-by-day-imran-127323.html Karachi May 22 Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the cordial relations between the country and China are growing deeper and stronger day by day Speaking virtually at the inauguration ceremony of the Karachi Nuclear Power Plant Unit2 K2 on Friday Khan said that May 21 marked the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and apart from the everstrengthening bilateral ties the peopletopeople contacts have also become deeprooted with the passage of time reports Xinhua news agency Khan lauded China for making a huge success in eradicating absolute poverty I will say that eradicating poverty is just like winning a big battle and it did not happen in one day I believe that Pakistan can learn how to lift its people from poverty Khan also said that the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor will open new prospect of development in the fields of agriculture and industrial development with the support of China after bringing great improvement in energy supply and infrastructure in Pakistan The premier said that his country needs clean energy projects and the K2 will carter the need adding that the power plant will not only enable the transfer of technology from China but also equip local people with skills to use the stateoftheart technology The K2 is the first foreign nuclear power unit using Hualong One a Chinese domestically designed thirdgeneration reactor that has a design life of 60 years IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-china-ties-growing-day-by-day-imran-127323.html Sat, 22 May 2021 13:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-seeks-cooperation-with-china-to-modernise-agricultural-sector-127134.html Islamabad May 21 As the agricultural sector of Pakistan is the backbone of the national economy the countrys officials and experts believe that the enhanced cooperation under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC can greatly help Islamabad modernise the sector ensure food security and improve local peoples livelihood According to the figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics the agricultural sector contributes about 24 per cent of the countrys gross domestic product GDP accounts for half of employed labour force and is the largest source of foreign exchange earnings Xinhua news agency reported on Friday Prime Minister Imran khan said recently that the government has been seeking support from China to boost the agricultural sector of the country to ensure sustainable development and prosperity Pakistan is heading towards the modern agriculture and the country will be following Chinas footsteps to uplift agrobased industries Khan said adding that in order to further elevate the sector the government has made it one of the key cooperation areas under the CPEC In January 2021 China and Pakistan launched an online platform to collect and display information and achievements of agricultural and industrial cooperation between the two countries aiming at enhancing bilateral cooperation under the CPEC in the two sectors In a conversation with Xinhua Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam said that enhanced cooperation with China in the field of agriculture can bring a green revolution in Pakistan and give stimulus to the economic and social development The country can further consolidate its strength in agriculture by learning from Chinas past success stories and upcoming development designs in agricultural science and technology and mechanization Chairman of the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council PARC Muhammad Azeem Khan told Xinhua The cooperation will not only improve the crop production and ensure food security but it will also be a fate changer for the people of Pakistan he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-seeks-cooperation-with-china-to-modernise-agricultural-sector-127134.html Fri, 21 May 2021 17:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-logs-3-256-fresh-covid-cases-tally-at-886-184-126714.html Islamabad May 19 Pakistan has reported 3256 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours pushing the tally to 886184 the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said on Wednesday A total of 104 people died across the country during the last 24 hours taking the toll to 19856 said NCOC adding that 799951 people have recovered so far while 4549 patients are in critical condition Xinhua reported The country has conducted 12552339 tests officially so far since February of last year and a total of 212625 COVID19 vaccine doses were administered on Tuesday increasing the tally to 4745378 doses according to the NCOC Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan on Wednesday urged people to be vaccinated as early as possible adding that the country has sufficient stock of vaccines I want to advise people to go for vaccination against the virus because it would help them avoid health complications and hospitalization the official said The Prime Ministers aide also asked the citizens to follow standard operating procedures related to Covid as announced by the government IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-logs-3-256-fresh-covid-cases-tally-at-886-184-126714.html Thu, 20 May 2021 06:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/paks-sindh-province-on-high-alert-for-cyclone-tauktae-126049.html Karachi May 17 Authorities in Pakistans Sindh province have adopted a high alert mode after the countrys meteorological department issued warnings over cyclone Tauktae The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Sunday issued the sixth consecutive alert for the cyclone poised to affect part of the Sindh province especially its coastal areas with heavy rainfall and gusty winds reports Xinhua news agency According to the alert the cyclone has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm and lay centres near 153 degrees north latitude and 725 degrees east longitude at a distance of about 1210 km southsoutheast of Karachi Maximum sustained winds around the system center are 100120 kph gusting to 140 kph said the alert adding that the system is likely to move further northwestward and reach the Indian state of Gujarat by Tuesday morning The Department said in an alert issued Saturday night that based on the existing meteorological conditions dustthunderstormrain with few moderate to heavy falls with gusty winds of 6080 kph are likely to occur in different parts of Sindh especially its coastal areas Fishermen have also been advised not to venture in the sea till May 20 because the sea conditions will be rough to very rough In a separate notification the department has also issued a heatwave warning for Karachi until Monday forecasting the rise in temperature to 42 degrees Celsius Following the alerts Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah had declared an emergency in all districts located along the coastal belt Local authorities in Karachi have started removing all billboards and safeguarding underconstruction buildings besides cleaning drains and making alternate arrangements for accommodation Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi has also asked the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to deploy fast response boats to track and guide all fishing vessels back towards the shore especially in the eastern sector IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/paks-sindh-province-on-high-alert-for-cyclone-tauktae-126049.html Mon, 17 May 2021 13:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/chinese-pak-fms-hold-talks-over-bilateral-ties-125796.html Beijing May 16 Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that he expects Beijing and Islamabad to take the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to open up a brighter prospect for bilateral relations In a telephone conversation on Saturday with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi Wang said the allweather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan is unique and bilateral relations have become a model of friendly cooperation between countries reports Xinhua news agency Wang noted that over the past 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties the two sides have firmly supported each other on issues concerning each others core interests Wang stressed that China will continue to stand firmly with Pakistan in the face of the Covid19 pandemic Beijing is also is ready to work with Pakistan to step up efforts to implement the outcomes of the video conference of Foreign Ministers of China Afghanistan Bangladesh Nepal Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Covid19 and play a bigger role in regional economic recovery he added Noting that Pakistan has an important traditional influence on the Afghan issue Wang said China recognises and appreciates Pakistans efforts to achieve peace in Afghanistan and calls for all parties to reach a political arrangement acceptable to all sides under the Afghanled and Afghanowned framework For his part Qureshi congratulated the landing of Chinas Tianwen1 probe on Mars and said bilateral relations have achieved fruitful results since the establishment of diplomatic ties He said his country hopes to jointly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries and push forward the allweather strategic cooperative partnership with China Qureshi thanked China for its strong support for Pakistans fight against Covid19 and expressed hope that his country would continue to enhance antipandemic cooperation with China Pakistan appreciates the joint statement on the Afghan issue issued at the ChinaCentral Asia foreign ministers meeting and maintains that US and NATO troops should leave Afghanistan in an orderly and responsible manner and supports Afghanistans neighbouring countries in playing a bigger role in pushing forward the peace process in Afghanistan he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/chinese-pak-fms-hold-talks-over-bilateral-ties-125796.html Sun, 16 May 2021 09:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-eases-covid-restrictions-125833.html Islamabad May 16 As the Covid19 situation remained under control in Pakistan during the Eid alFitr holidays with daily new cases showing a declining trend the country has decided to ease a number of restrictions on transportation and commercial activities The decision was taken on Saturday during a special session of the National Command and Operation Center NCOC chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar reports Xinhua news agency According to the new directives all interprovincial intercity and intracity public transport will resume from Sunday instead of Monday The transport will however be operative with 50 per cent occupancy of passengers and railways will maintain its operation with 70 per cent occupancy according to the NCOC The NCOC also allowed all markets and shops to remain open till 8 pm while all public and private offices are to function with normal working hours but with 50 per cent of the staff starting from Monday The forum emphasised on continued monitoring of standard operating procedures enforcement and urged the public to ensure prior registration for vaccination According to the data released on Saturday by the NCOC Pakistan recorded 1531 new Covid19 cases over the past 24 hours the first time that newly reported cases in a day were less than 2000 since March this year bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 874751 A total of 83 people died during the last 24 hours raising the death toll to 19467 according to the data IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-eases-covid-restrictions-125833.html Sun, 16 May 2021 12:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/9-killed-in-pak-shootout-125859.html Karachi May 16 At least nine people were killed and five others seriously injured in a shootout between two rival groups in Pakistans Sindh province local media reported on Sunday According to the reports the exchange of intensive firing took place late Saturday between the Jagirani and Chachar tribes over an old enmity in the Kandhkot area for hours reports Xinhua news agency Police personnel told media that armed men of both sides were firing at each other while hiding in bunkers when security personnel reached the site Police and rescue teams have shifted the bodies and the injured to a hospital and filed two separate cases against each of the armed groups Police have started operations and raids to arrest the culprits and confiscate weapons from them Automatic guns hand grenades and rockets were used in the clash the local reports said A heavy contingent of police has been deployed in the area to defuse the tension IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/9-killed-in-pak-shootout-125859.html Sun, 16 May 2021 15:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-celebrats-eid-amid-covid-125429.html Islamabad May 13 Pakistan on Thursday celebrated EidalFitr amid Covid19 precautionary measures Eid prayers were held in open spaces across the country with the implementation of Covid19 SOPs to avoid the spread of the pandemic reports The Express Tribune newspaper In separate messages President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan called on citizens to strictly adhere to antivirus protocols while celebrating the festival stating that the measures were necessary to avoid a massive outbreak reports Dawn news Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar expressed hope that citizens would remain mindful of SOPs while celebrating in an effort to safeguard their own lives and those of their loved ones IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-celebrats-eid-amid-covid-125429.html Fri, 14 May 2021 17:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-sees-lowest-number-of-cases-since-march-16-125105.html Islamabad May 12 Pakistan reported the lowest number of Covid19 cases since March 16 as the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC issued guidelines for Eidul Fitr prayers on Tuesday The Pakistan Medical Association PMA on the other hand released data about the number of doctors and paramedics who lost their lives to coronavirus the Dawn reported According to details shared by the NCOC 3084 cases were detected and 113 patients died throughout the country in a single day Earlier less than 3084 cases surfaced on March 16 when 2351 people got infected The highest figure in the third wave was recorded on April 17 when 6127 people tested positive The data further showed that 607 ventilators were in use while the number of active cases was 78959 as of May 11 The overall death toll has swelled to 19106 while 5353 patients were under treatment in hospitals across the country A meeting of the NCOC reviewed the mobility control measures to be implemented during Eid holidays Minister for Planning DevÂeÂlopÂÂment and Special InitiaÂtives Asad Umar and Lt Gen Hamooduz Zaman Khan prÂeÂsided over the session whÂiÂch was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan via video link In the wake of the ongoing restrictions in force till May 16 the forum urged the nation to stand united in supporting the steps taken for the wellbeing of the citizens It also approved guidelines under which it suggested that Eid prayers be organised in open spaces under strict Covid19 protocols If there is a compulsion to offer prayers in the mosque then windows and doors should be left open for good ventilation an NCOC statement said adding that two to three Eid prayers at one venue with staggered timings should be held to minimise strength The forum recommended that Eid sermon should be kept brief to reduce exposure and discourage sick and elderly people and children below 15 years of age from attending the prayers It would also be mandatory to wear masks and ensure multiple entryexit points at the prayer venue The guidelines suggested arranging thermal screening and sanitisers at entry points as well as sixfoot social distancing markings at the venue Worshippers will be encouraged to perform ablution at home and bring their own prayer mats Socialisingembracing and handshakes after prayers will be discouraged and gathering not allowed The guidelines proposed installing bannerspanaflexes at prominent places at the venue highlighting Covid19 protocols and arranging well laidout parking areas for crowd management As many as 202 doctors and 30 paramedics have so far died of Covid19 in the country According to data released by the PMA out of 202 doctors 74 were from Punjab including Islamabad 65 from Sindh 53 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa six from Balochistan one from GilgitBaltistan and three from Azad Jammu and Kashmir Among the casualties were 24 medical officers 19 general physicians 13 paediatricians 11 anaesthetists 10 from administrative posts nine professors of medicine nine ENT specialists seven gynaecologists six pathologists six psychiatrists four orthopaedics four pulmonologists four dentists three ophthalmologists three postgraduate trainees three radiologists two surgeons and two cardiologists PMA secretary general Dr Qaisar Sajjad requested the government to protect all doctors and paramedics by providing uninterrupted supply of personal protective equipment PPE Doctors serving in coronavirusdesignated hospitals know that they are examining Covid19 patients so they remain careful but general practitioners and other specialist doctors do not know whether their patient has the virus or not Such doctors are more vulnerable therefore all those serving in coronavirusdesignated hospitals or at any other health facility were frontline soldiers in the war against Covid19 he said urging the government to take all appropriate measures to protect them Talking to Dawn Dr Sajjad said the government should declare vaccination mandatory for healthcare workers as it would help protect their lives The PMA salutes doctors who are serving the nation in this difficult time They are on the frontline in the war In the present situation they are examining patients at the cost of their lives even their families are at risk Immediate steps should be taken for the protection of doctors and paramedics he said adding that the PMA demanded that the government immediately provide Shuhada package to the aggrieved families who are passing through a hard time due to financial hardships World Health Organisation WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that globally we are now seeing a plateauing in the number of Covid19 cases and deaths with decline in most regions including the Americas and Europe  the two worstaffected regions However he said it was an unacceptably high plateau with more than 54 million reported cases and almost 90000 deaths last week Any decline is welcome but we have been here before And cases and deaths are still increasing rapidly in WHOs SouthEast Asia region and there are countries in every region with increasing trends Dr Ghebreyesus said He said high and uppermiddle income countries represented 53 per cent of the worlds population but had received 83pc of the vaccines By contrast low and lowermiddle income countries account for 47pc of the worlds population but have received just 17pc of the vaccines he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-sees-lowest-number-of-cases-since-march-16-125105.html Thu, 13 May 2021 10:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-soldiers-dead-5-injured-in-pak-terror-attacks-124512.html Islamabad May 10 Three soldiers were killed and five others injured in two separate terrorist attacks in Pakistans Balochistan province an army statement said One of the attacks took place on Sunday in the provincial capital of Quetta where militants attacked paramilitary troops Frontier Corps FC deployed on security duties the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations ISPR said in the statement The attack left three soldiers killed and one injured Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying In another attack in Turbat area terrorists targeted FC soldiers patrolling along the PakistanIran border leaving four of them injured the statement added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-soldiers-dead-5-injured-in-pak-terror-attacks-124512.html Mon, 10 May 2021 19:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-saudi-crown-prince-salman-commit-to-ties-124096.html IslamabadJeddah May 8 Visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Saturday have affirmed their commitment to fortify the upward trajectory in bilateral relations the Ministry of Foreign Affairs MoFA in Islamabad said The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince met in Jeddah and held wideranging talks on bilateral regional and international issues The Express Tribune quoted the Ministry as saying The talks were marked by exceptional cordiality and a commitment to fortify the upward trajectory in the bilateral relationship The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic bonds between the two countries rooted firmly in shared beliefs common values mutual trust and longstanding tradition of mutual support it added During the meeting special emphasis was laid on increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan collaboration in the field of energy and increased job opportunities for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia according to the MoFA The two leaders also signed an agreement on the establishment of the SaudiPakistan Supreme Coordination Council SPSCC Khan also extended an invitation to Crown Prince Salman to visit Pakistan stated the MoFA Besides Foreign Minister Qureshi Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Senator Faisal Javed and other senior officials are also part of the official delegation reports The Express Tribune On May 4 Chief of the Army Staff COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa reached Riyadh to meet Saudi civil and military leadership in what seemed to be part of the preparation of the prime ministers visit IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-saudi-crown-prince-salman-commit-to-ties-124096.html Sun, 09 May 2021 12:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/shehbaz-sharif-barred-from-flying-to-uk-124115.html Lahore May 8 Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz PMLN President Shehbaz Sharif has been barred from flying to the UK on Saturday by the Federal Investigation Authority FIA a day after the Lahore High Court LHC removed his name from the blacklist FIA immigration officials reportedly offloaded the opposition leader from a flight to Doha after his name was found to be present on the blacklist which prevents him from leaving the country The Express Tribune reported He was scheduled to leave Lahore for Doha after which he was to leave for London after 10 days quarantine in Qatar After being denied permission to travel Sharif returned to his residence in the city Speaking to an immigration official at the airport PMLN leaders informed that the oppostion leader has been granted conditional permission to travel abroad for medical treatment by the LHC to which the official responded that he was barred from leaving the country until the clearance on the immigration system is updated On Friday LHC granted permission to Sharif to travel abroad once for medical treatment after he filed a petition with the court seeking directions to the quarters concerned for the removal of his name from the travel blacklist IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/shehbaz-sharif-barred-from-flying-to-uk-124115.html Sun, 09 May 2021 13:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-receives-1st-consignment-of-astrazeneca-vax-124133.html Islamabad May 8 Pakistan on Saturday received its first consignment of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine as the country of 220 million scrambles to secure more supplies amid a third wave of the pandemic The first shipment of over 12 million doses of the OxfordAstraZeneca vaccine has arrived in Islamabad Rana Safdar a senior Health Ministry official told dpa news agncy Pakistan secured 17 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the World Health Organizations COVAX programme The first delivery was expected in March but got delayed due to an Indian ban on the export of the vaccine Meanwhile Pakistan started processing Chinas singledose CanSino vaccine The vaccine is expected to be available for use by the end of this month The South Asian country is currently using Chinas Sinopharm and CanSino vaccines and has also allowed commercial sale of Covid19 vaccines After some early reluctance tens of thousands of people are getting themselves registered every day for vaccination following campaigns and warnings to encourage people to get vaccinated against Covid19 At least 33 million people have been vaccinated so far On Saturday 4109 new Covid19 cases and 120 deaths were reported by the Health Ministry Pakistan has so far recorded 854240 cases and 18797 deaths in total The country has been put under the lockdown until May 16 during the Muslim holidays of Eid alFitr to contain the spread of the virus Incoming flights have already been slashed by 80 per cent public transport has been banned during the holidays and tourist destinations put under curfew IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-receives-1st-consignment-of-astrazeneca-vax-124133.html Sun, 09 May 2021 15:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-embarks-on-visit-to-saudi-arabia-123791.html Riyadh In this photo released by Saudi Royal Palace Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman right meets Pakistans Prime Minister Imran Khan at Riyadh international airport Saudi Arabia Friday May 7 2021 PTI Islamabad May 8 Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan embarked on a threeday visit to Saudi Arabia on Friday evening to enhance bilateral relations and cooperation said a statement from Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Pakistani foreign ministry said earlier that during the visit the prime ministers consultations with the Saudi leadership will cover all areas of bilateral cooperation including economic trade investment energy and job opportunities for the Pakistani workforce the Xinhua news agency reported Ahead of the prime ministers arrival Pakistani Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had already reached Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and had meetings with the civil and military leadership Pakistani armys media wing InterServices Public Relations said in a statement on Friday that the army chief had a meeting with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest regional security situation including recent developments in the Afghan peace process bilateral defence security collaboration for regional peace and connectivity according to the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-embarks-on-visit-to-saudi-arabia-123791.html Sat, 08 May 2021 10:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/vax-doses-administered-in-a-day-in-pak-top-200k-123279.html Islamabad May 6 Chairman of Pakistans National Command and Operation Center NCOC Asad Umar said that the Covid19 vaccine doses administered in a day has crossed the 200000 mark for the first time as the country amplified its immunization efforts to curb the third wave of the pandemic The total number of Covid19 vaccinations conducted on Tuesday was over 200000 Umar said on Twitter on Wednesday adding that the pace of registration for receiving the jabs has also been accelerated recently reports Xinhua news agency Over 5 million people have registered themselves for vaccination so far he said He called on citizens who are 40 years old and above to get themselves registered as soon as possible On Monday Pakistan began vaccinating people between 4049 years old as part of the governments rampedup efforts against the pandemic He also urged the public to continue observing the standard operating procedures SOPs set by the government to control the epidemic In order to ensure the complete implementation of the SOPs during the upcoming Eid alFitr festival in the country the NCOC has announced the forming of monitoring teams at federal provincial and district levels During the Eid alFitr holidays all businesses shops and tourist spots will remain closed with a few exceptions like groceries pharmacies and bakeries Pakistan has so far reported 841636 confirmed cases with 18429 deaths and 738727 recoveries IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/vax-doses-administered-in-a-day-in-pak-top-200k-123279.html Thu, 06 May 2021 17:21:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imf-demand-to-hike-power-tariff-may-worsen-paks-inflation-122742.html Islamabad May 4 Pakistans Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said that the demand by the International Monetary Fund IMF to hike electricity tariff to release more funds could lead to further inflation in the country It is unfair to push Pakistan to increase its electricity tariff as it will only affect the countrys economy negatively Tarin said during a meeting of the National Assemblys subcommittee on finance on Monday While hinting at reviewing the program with the IMF the Minister said Pakistan has assured the lender of reducing circular debt but the demand of increasing electricity tariff is not understandable reports Xinhua news agency If the GDP growth is not increased by at least 5 per cent the country will be facing serious crisis in next several years the Minister said adding that the growth rate will only improve if the economy is moving swiftly with special focus on agriculture and industries He said the government has been working toward broadening the tax net but could not force people to pay more taxes under the current scenario Pakistan has promised the IMF to increase taxes by 1272 trillion PKR and raise electricity tariff by almost 5 PKR per unit according to local media IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imf-demand-to-hike-power-tariff-may-worsen-paks-inflation-122742.html Wed, 05 May 2021 04:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-suspend-entry-of-pedestrians-from-afghanistan-iran-122233.html Islamabad May 3 Pakistan will suspend the entry of pedestrians from Afghanistan and Iran through land border terminals for over two weeks from May 5 in an effort to curb the spread of Covid19 according to an official notification The decision was taken at a special session on land border management at the countrys National Command and Operation Center NCOC on May 1 the NCOC notification issued on Sunday revealed The revised land border management policy will be implemented from May 5 to May 20 and applicable only to inbound pedestrians without effect on existing cargo or trade movement Xinhua news agency reported citing the notification as saying Pakistani nationals in Afghanistan and Iran will be allowed to return said the notification adding that extreme medical emergency cases and funerals of Afghan nationals will also be exempted as per procedure in vogue Border terminals will remain open for seven days a week while employment strength of the law enforcement agencies and health staff at border terminals will be increased for implementation of testing protocols and to control high traffic density The notification said a review of the policy will be carried at the NCOC on May 18 Pakistan is struggling to contain the third wave of the pandemic The country reported 4414 new Covid19 cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 829933 while the death toll stood at 18070 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-suspend-entry-of-pedestrians-from-afghanistan-iran-122233.html Mon, 03 May 2021 15:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-visits-areas-in-islamabad-without-protocol-122344.html Islamabad May 3 Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan paid a surprise visit to different localities in Islamabad without any security and protocol his office said In a tweet on Sunday Khans office said that the Prime Minister drove himself to public places in Islamabad without any security and protocol reports The Express tribune According to the tweet Khan visited G11 Markaz Sewerage Plant I9 and Korang Cricket Ground In G11 Markaz he visited the modular carts placed under the Ehsaas programmes Rerhi Baan initiative He asked vendors about their business and instructed them to adhere to the SOPs reports Dawn news The Prime Minister was accompanied by PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan and Capital Development Authority Chairman Amer Ahmed Ali In a tweet Senator Khan said the Prime Minister while driving had stopped at every signal and waited for the traffic light to turn green Others should put an end to VIP culture in the same manner he said adding that the Prime Minister did not have any protocol with him IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-visits-areas-in-islamabad-without-protocol-122344.html Mon, 03 May 2021 19:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/over-3k-pakistani-children-contracted-covid-in-april-alone-121915.html Islamabad May 2 More than 3000 children between the age of 110 were diagnosed with coronavirus in April data issued by the federal health ministry shows The data shows that 3315 children between the ages of 1 and 10 and 12162 boys and girls between the ages of 11 and 20 contracted Covid19 in April Geo TV reported It also showed that at least 19 children have died due to the coronavirus over the course of the month Among girls 1424 were of the age group 110 and 5205 were of the age group 1120 Among boys 1891 boys were of the age group 110 while 6957 were of the age group 1120 Officials said that at least 6 children in the age group 110 and 13 in the age group 1120 had died due to Covid19 So far 10036 girls between the ages of 1 and 10 and 28496 girls between the ages of 11 and 20 have been infected with coronavirus across the country On the other hand 14500 boys between the ages of 1 and 10 and 40670 boys between the ages of 1120 have been infected with coronavirus Pakistan is in the midst of a deadly third wave of the coronavirus that has forced the government to lockdown many areas of the country Even today the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC reported that 4696 people tested positive in the last 24 hours The total tally of Covid19 cases of the country with the new cases now stands at 825519 with most cases reported in Punjab IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/over-3k-pakistani-children-contracted-covid-in-april-alone-121915.html Sun, 02 May 2021 14:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/watchdog-reports-40-increase-in-attacks-on-pak-journalists-121953.html Islamabad May 2 Watchdog Pakistan Freedom Network has declared Islamabad as the most dangerous city for journalists and reported that there was a 40 per cent increase in attack on journalists in Pakistan In its report the network said that overall there has been a 40 per cent increase in the attack on journalists and Islamabad had reported 51 of those cases The breakdown showed that Sindh was in second place with 38 cases Punjab in third with 39 cases Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in fourth with 13 cases Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the fifth place with nine cases and Balochistan was in the last place with eight cases Geo TV reported The network also reported that 148 different types of attacks on journalists were reported across Pakistan between May 3 2020 till April 20 2021 The data showed that out of a total of 27 cases 25 of them were related to detention or confinement 15 were linked with violence and physical assaults seven were of assentation attempts six of murders while five were related to abductions IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/watchdog-reports-40-increase-in-attacks-on-pak-journalists-121953.html Sun, 02 May 2021 16:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/only-one-in-hundred-gets-covid-shot-in-pakistan-data-121999.html Islamabad May 2 More than 108 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide equal to 14 doses for every 100 people There is already a stark gap between vaccination programmes in different countries with some yet to report a single dose The data is compiled from government sources by the Our World in Data project at the University of Oxford A vaccinated person refers to someone who has received at least one dose of a vaccine and a fully vaccinated person has received all required doses of a vaccine For the PfizerBioNTech vaccine a person who is fully vaccinated has received two doses The News reported April 28 data of doses per hundred people shows Seychelles at top with 127 doses Israel second with 116 while UAE is at third place with 107 doses per hundred persons In regional countries Maldives has administered 73 doses per hundred people China 17 India 11 Nepal 72 Bangladesh 52 Sri Lanka 42 Iran 11 Pakistan 1 and Afghanistan 06 While vaccine doses remain relatively scarce globally most countries have focused their early vaccination efforts on priority groups like the clinically vulnerable people in their 60s 70s and older and frontline workers like doctors and nurses There is also a striking divide between continents Africa has the slowest vaccination rate of any continent with some countries yet to start mass vaccination campaigns Less wealthy countries are relying on a vaccinesharing arrangement called Covax which aims to provide two billion doses by the end of the year As many as 83 per cent of shots that have gone into arms worldwide have been administered in high and uppermiddleincome countries Only 02 per cent of doses have been administered in lowincome countries Most of the vaccines currently in use require two doses for a patient to be fully vaccinated In February the Food and Drug Administration authorized a oneshot vaccine by pharmaceutical giant Johnson Johnson for emergency use in the US IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/only-one-in-hundred-gets-covid-shot-in-pakistan-data-121999.html Sun, 02 May 2021 18:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-cuts-international-flights-to-20-to-curb-covid-cases-121710.html Islamabad May 1 The National Command and Operation Centre NCOC on Saturday issued an advisory reducing the number of inbound international flights to 20 per cent to curb a further rise in Covid19 cases Amid high disease prevalence in various parts of the world and current disease situation in the country with corresponding extreme stress on the critical care system Pakistan has decided to significantly reduce inbound International Air Travel from 5 May to 20th May said the NCOC in a statement on Twitter It was not immediately clear which routes and air carriers will be affected The NCOC said that the decision will be reviewed on May 18 Inbound air traffic will operate at 20 per cent of the total current quantum while there is no change in the existing Category C list countries Pakistani passport holders strandedshort term visa are allowed to travel to Pakistan subject to exemption by the committee as per procedures in vogue the NCOC statement read All inbound travellers to Pakistan including those from the Category C list countries must have a negative repeat PCR test before travelling to Pakistan maximum 72 hours old while a rapid antigen test will be done on arrival at the airport Negative cases will undergo 10 days of selfquarantine at home with stringent TTO protocols Geo TV reported The statement said that positive cases will be shifted by the provincial district administration to a selfpaid facility for 10 days quarantine with TTO of contacts if any and a repeat PCR test will be conducted on the 8th day of the quarantine period In case of a negative result the passenger will be allowed to proceed home However in case of a positive result the passenger will either undergo an additional quarantine period or be shifted to hospital as per the advice of health authorities The NCOC stated that registration on the Passtrack App by all inbound travellers before travelling to Pakistan is mandatory however deportees are exempted from registration on the app Pakistan has seen record deaths in recent days from the coronavirus and stricter restrictions on movement and gathering in public are planned for the upcoming Eid holiday Officials are worried the countrys health care system already under strain could reach breaking point if more contagious variants of the virus begin to spread as has happened in neighbouring India On Saturday authorities reported 4696 new confirmed Covid19 cases in the past 24 hours and 146 deaths from the disease IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-cuts-international-flights-to-20-to-curb-covid-cases-121710.html Sat, 01 May 2021 17:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-ncoc-bans-processions-on-youm-e-ali-121730.html Jerusalem Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III left holds candles for Christian pilgrims during the ceremony of the Holy Fire at Church of the Holy Sepulchre where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified buried and rose from the dead in the Old City of Jerusalem Saturday May 1 2021 Hundreds of Christian worshippers took use of Israels easing of coronavirus restrictions Saturday and packed a Jerusalem church revered as the site of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection for an ancient fire ceremony ahead of Orthodox Easter PTI Islamabad May 1 Amid surging coronavirus cases in Pakistan the federal government on Saturday imposed a ban on YoumeAli processions while majalis will be permitted under strict SOPs which are already in place for Ramadan An important session on the conduct of YoumeAli was held at the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC chaired by Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar Minister for Interior Sheikh Rasheed Minister for Religious Affairs NoorulHaq Qadri and SAPM on Health Dr Faisal Sultan were also present Geo TV reported The provincial secretaries and representatives of law enforcement agencies attended the session through video link Keeping in view the risk factor due to the ongoing surge in Covid spread across the country and particularly in major urban centres it was decided to ban all sort of processions while holding of Majalis has been permitted under strict Covid SOPs which are already in place for Ramazan ul Mubarik read an NCOC statement The forum emphasised the need to engage religious scholars and community leaders at provincial and district levels for the implementation of these decisions Pakistan has seen record deaths in recent days from the coronavirus and stricter restrictions on movement and gathering in public are planned for the upcoming Eid holiday Officials are worried the countrys health care system already under strain could reach breaking point if more contagious variants of the virus begin to spread as has happened in neighbouring India On Saturday authorities reported 4696 new confirmed Covid19 cases in the past 24 hours and 146 deaths from the disease IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-ncoc-bans-processions-on-youm-e-ali-121730.html Sat, 01 May 2021 18:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistanis-aged-40-49-years-old-to-be-vaccinated-from-may-3-121344.html Islamabad April 29 Pakistanis falling within the 4049 years old will be vaccinated from Monday May 3 said National Command and Operation Centre NCOC head Asad Umar The federal minister took to Twitter on Thursday to announce that more than 100000 people had been vaccinated across Pakistan in a single day for the second consecutive day Second successive day of more than 1 lakh vaccinations Encouraging to see pace of registration also picking up Vaccination of those between 40 and 49 years age will be starting from next Monday the 3rd of May he tweeted On April 27 Pakistan opened the registration of the coronavirus vaccine for the 4049 age group the Geo TV reported In todays NCOC meeting decided to open up registration of 40 plus age citizens starting tomorrow Also decision taken to allow walkin vaccination of all registered citizens of 50 plus age group Umar had tweeted If you are 40 years or older please register and encourage others to register Pakistan is currently vaccinating people who are 50 plus and healthcare workers with Chinese vaccines A digital portal has been launched by the federal government for the registration through which a code is assigned to the person and then they can go to a designated vaccination centre and get a jab IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistanis-aged-40-49-years-old-to-be-vaccinated-from-may-3-121344.html Fri, 30 Apr 2021 14:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-start-local-production-of-cansinobios-vaccine-next-month-121224.html Islamabad April 29 Pakistan will start the local production of CanSinoBios coronavirus vaccine next month National Institute of Healths officials said The development comes after 10000 people were vaccinated in a day for the first time in Pakistan The NIH officials said that the arrangements to prepare CanSinoBios coronavirus vaccine were done while the raw material for the vaccine would reach Pakistan in early May the Geo TV reported on Wednesday Chinese experts are also present in Islamabad to help in the preparation of the vaccine officials said adding that the NIH had started the venture in collaboration with a Chinese company The official said they were hopeful that the singledose vaccine would be available by the end of May for public inoculation It is pertinent to mention here that CanSinoBios officials had trained NIH experts to prepare vaccine doses IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-start-local-production-of-cansinobios-vaccine-next-month-121224.html Fri, 30 Apr 2021 02:48:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/1-million-vaccine-doses-to-arrive-in-pak-on-sunday-121235.html Islamabad April 29 One million coronavirus vaccine doses will arrive in Pakistan on Sunday via Pakistan International Airlines planes the airline has said PIA in a statement on Wednesday said that vaccines were loading on three PIA Boeing 777 planes and they would arrive in Pakistan from China on Sunday However the airline did not specify which vaccine brand was being brought The development comes a week after a Pakistan Air Force plane carrying 05 million Chinesebased company SinoVacs vaccine doses landed at the Nur Khan Airbase in Islamabad Although the government is yet to acquire more vaccines for coronavirus it is still hoping to vaccinate at least 70 million people by the end of this year according to a media report Despite the bottlenecks Pakistani officials are confident that the daily vaccination may hit 100000 persons per day soon They are also expecting that the vaccination will reach 200000 per day in the coming weeks and months as it is gaining momentum in the country The PTIled government has so far approved 150 million for procurement of vaccines for the Covid19 pandemic and another formal summary will be forwarded to get an approval of 90 million for this purpose obtained from the Islamic Development Bank In totality the allocated amount will go up to 240 million to obtain the vaccine that had become scarce in all countries Pakistan will start the local production of CanSinoBios coronavirus vaccine next month National Institute of Healths officials had said earlier in the day The development comes after 10000 people were vaccinated in a day for the first time in Pakistan on Tuesday The NIH officials said the arrangements to prepare CanSinoBios coronavirus vaccine were done while the raw material for the vaccine would reach Pakistan in early May The official said they were hopeful that the singledose vaccine would be available by the end of May for public inoculation IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/1-million-vaccine-doses-to-arrive-in-pak-on-sunday-121235.html Fri, 30 Apr 2021 03:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pia-plane-carrying-over-300-000-vaccines-from-china-arrives-islamabad-121317.html Islamabad April 29 A Pakistan International Airlines PIA special plane arrived in Islamabad from Beijing carrying doses of the coronavirus vaccine According to sources PK6852 landed at the Islamabad airport from Beijing carrying over 300000 coronavirus vaccines Sources said that around one million vaccines are being brought to Pakistan by three Boeing 777 planes the Geo TV reported Three more PIA 777s arrived in Beijing China to carry another large consignment of COVID19 vaccines as part of a larger initiative to combat the pandemic the national airlines said on Twitter On the behest of the Government of Pakistan we would continue to serve this great nation at the time of crisis it added The spokesperson of the national flag carrier Abdullah Hafeez Khan had said that a day earlier that three Boeing 777 planes had been sent to China for procurement of coronavirus vaccines IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pia-plane-carrying-over-300-000-vaccines-from-china-arrives-islamabad-121317.html Fri, 30 Apr 2021 12:44:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-unveils-two-new-schemes-for-overseas-pakistanis-121330.html Islamabad April 29 Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced two new schemes for overseas Pakistanis who have Roshan Digital Accounts RDA In an event held here at the capital the premier thanked Governor State Bank Reza Baqir for his role in bringing about the two schemes Roshan Apni Car and Roshan Samaji Khidmat the Geo TV reported The Prime Minister instructed the government to seek Finance Minister Shaukat Tareens help saying that the minister was an expert in when it came to the marketing aspect of products and assets The premier urged his economic team to keep thinking of outofthebox solutions to support Pakistans economy till its exports does not come at par with its imports He appreciated the recordbreaking rise in remittances from overseas Pakistanis over the years adding that this was just the tip of the iceberg He praised that the Pakistani diaspora for playing their part in supporting Pakistans economy over the years Overseas Pakistanis have over the years kept our economy afloat he said adding that he was in touch with overseas Pakistanis for the past 50 years during his cricketing days In a message to Pakistani embassies in various countries across the world Imran said that their most important duty is to look after the affairs of Pakistani labourers in those countries He said that the Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia had not taken care of labourers adding that a highpowered investigation will be launched into the matter and exemplary punishments will be handed to those found guilty Imran said that he had received reports that embassy staffers were taking money as bribes from Pakistani labourers in Saudi Arabia Earlier PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan went into detail about the success of the RDA and its impact Today PM Imran Khan will address overseas Pakistanis in connection with RoshanDigitalAccount reaching a great milestone of 1 Billion Dollars RDA was launched just 7 months ago with the objective of connecting NRPs to Pakistans Banking System completely digitally he had tweeted Today more than 120000 accounts have been opened from 170 countries around the world and more than 1 Billion Dollars have been received Investment in Naya Pakistan Certificates has crossed 646 Million Dollars Investment in Stock Exchange through RDA has crossed PKR 16 Billion he wrote in a subsequent tweet Javed announced the names of the two new schemes that the Prime Minister launched today This milestone is a testament to faith that NRPs have in Pakistan PM Imran Khan led PTI Govt To enrich RoshanDigitalAccount scheme further today 2 new initiatives are being launched for RDA holders Roshan Apni Car Roshan Samaaji Khidmat he tweeted He said that the Roshan Apni Car scheme will enable overseas Pakistanis to buy cars for their loved ones at very attractive rates Now RDA holders can avail financing under RoshanApniCar at very attractive terms to purchase a car for their loved ones in Pakistan Banks are offering both conventional Islamic modes of financing at attractive markup rates starting from 7 per cent with priority delivery he wrote The senator said that it was now possible for overseas Pakistanis to pay donations easily by going into the banks portals and selecting the charity they want to pay and the amount Under RoshanSamaajiKhidmat RDA holders can give donations Zakat etc very conveniently through the banks portal by selecting the charity and paying the amount For the first time they will also be able to make donations directly to the governments landmark Ehsaas program he tweeted Imran has on several occasions referred to overseas Pakistanis as the countrys biggest asset and vowed to make policies that benefit them The Prime Minister has tasked his government over the past few months to come up with electoral reforms that would allow overseas Pakistanis to vote in the upcoming general elections as well The Roshan Digital Account initiative The Roshan Digital Account is an initiative by the State Bank of Pakistan to serve the banking needs for overseas Pakistanis so it is easier for them to invest in their home country Last year in September Imran launched the initiative A press release issued by the Prime Ministers Office last year had said that it is the first time in the countrys history NonReturning Pakistanis NRP will be able to remotely open an account through an entirely digital and online process without any need to visit a bank branch embassy or consulate The customer can choose either foreign currency or rupee dominated account or both Funds in these accounts will be fully repatriable without the need for any regulatory approval the statement read Speaking to media last year SBP Governor Dr Reza Baqir had said that the initiative would allow overseas Pakistanis to invest money in local stock markets buy government bonds and securities and avail basic banking services The SBP boss had added that at least eight Pakistani banks will facilitate the Roshan Digital Accounts and allow overseas Pakistanis to deposit funds in either US dollars or Pakistani rupees IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-unveils-two-new-schemes-for-overseas-pakistanis-121330.html Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-to-monitor-case-against-disgruntled-pti-leader-in-sugar-scam-120698.html Islamabad April 28 Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the Federal Investigation Agency FIA would not be influenced to give relief to the disgruntled leader of Pakistan TehreekiInsaf PTI Jahangir Tareen in the sugar scam probe but he would personally look into the matter to avoid any political victimisation in the case He was talking to a delegation of some proTareen lawmakers who called on him Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar was also present in the meeting the Dawn reported on Wednesday The head of the MNAs delegation Raja Riaz told media after attending the meeting that the Prime Minister had assured them that he would personally look into the case and ensure that no injustice was meted out to anyone We have full confidence that the prime minister will not do injustice to anyone he said Interestingly the Prime Minister formed a oneman committee comprising his confidant Senator Syed Ali Zafar to ascertain whether the delegations concerns that some people in the government and the PTI were politically victimising Jahangir Tareen were genuine The decision to form the committee was made a day after media reports claimed the government had changed FIAs sugar inquiry chief According to media reports the sugar scam inquiry teams head FIA Director for Lahore Mohammad RizÂwan was removed from the investigation with immediate effect It may be mentioned here that Rizwans removal was the main demand of the former PTI Secretary General Jehangir Tareen and the lawmakers supporting him Information Minister Fawad Hussain Chaudhry confirmed that the Prime Minister had decided not to influence the FIA inquiry against Tareen and other sugar barons and that the case would be decided on merit During the meeting the prime minister was of the view that a party PTI formed in the name of justice could not allow two types of justice  one for the poor and the other for wealthy people he added The Prime Minister said the FIAs inquiry into the sugar scam would not be influenced at any cost However concerns of the MNAs will be addressed and it will be ensured that no one politically victimises Tareen the minister said He said that Khan tasked Senator Ali Zafar to present a report to him but no timeframe was given to the committee When asked whether there was a possibility of the MNAs supporting Tareen joining another political party especially Pakistan Peoples Party PPP the minister said that they would remain part of the ruling PTI The parliamentarians supporting Tareen have accused Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar of initiating undue action against Tareen and his son Ali Tareen by freezing their over two dozen bank accounts during the sugar scam investigations IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-to-monitor-case-against-disgruntled-pti-leader-in-sugar-scam-120698.html Wed, 28 Apr 2021 12:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistanis-pray-for-india-as-pakistanstandswithindia-trends-on-twitter-120020.html Islamabad April 25 Despite all the differences with archrival India Pakistanis are praying for them as the country faces a deadly wave of coronavirus which has collapsed their health system On Saturday once again Indias coronavirus infections rose by 346786 overnight the health ministry said setting a new world record for the third consecutive day the Geo TV reported Amid the rising cases hospitals are begging for oxygen supplies India surpassed the US record of 297430 singleday infections anywhere in the world on Thursday making it the global epicentre of a pandemic that is waning in many other countries Considering the worst situation in India many Pakistanis have come out with their prayers for their neighbours On Friday Pakistans Edhi Foundation in a magnanimous gesture offered a fleet of 50 ambulances and its staff to help manage the crisis brought about by the coronavirus pandemic in India As a neighbouring friend we sympathise with you greatly and during this strenuous time we would like to extend our help in the form of a fleet of 50 ambulances along with our services to assist you in addressing and further circumventing the current health conditions reads a letter written by Faisal Edhi Chairman of the Edhi Foundation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Apart from Edhi many Pakistanis including federal ministers have expressed their sentiments on social media The tweets came from people from a wide spectrum of people with a trend PakistanstandswithIndia also being on top in Pakistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistanis-pray-for-india-as-pakistanstandswithindia-trends-on-twitter-120020.html Sun, 25 Apr 2021 16:22:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-year-old-pak-girl-becomes-youngest-microsoft-professional-119808.html Karachi April 24 Arish Fatima a 4yearold prodigy from Karachi made history by becoming the youngest Microsoft professional At the age of four Arish Fatima has set a unique example by scoring 831 marks in the Microsoft Certified Professional MCP exam the Government of Pakistan announced via Twitter on Friday The minimum score for passing the MCP exam is 700 while Arish broke the world record to achieve great success and made Pakistan proud around the world the Geo TV reported Arishs father who also accomplished the milestone at a very young age said that while working from home during the coronavirus lockdown he saw his daughters interest in IT and helped her in this test Arishs father Osama is also an IT expert and sees his daughter doing wonders in this field Arishs parents say that their daughter is extremely capable and has extraordinary abilities IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-year-old-pak-girl-becomes-youngest-microsoft-professional-119808.html Sat, 24 Apr 2021 19:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-pm-calls-in-army-as-covid-cases-surge-119759.html Islamabad April 24 Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he had asked the Pakistan Army to assist the police and law enforcement agencies in enforcing SOPs for curbing the spread of the coronavirus warning that Pakistan may soon be facing a situation similar to India if the current trend continues Addressing the nation after a meeting of the National Coordination Committee he said I am appealing to you to follow SOPs so that we dont have to take steps that India is taking which means imposing lockdowns Half the problem is solved when you wear face masks New SOPs announced by the NCOC Schools in districts with over 5 per cent positivity rate closed till Eid Markets to be closed at 6 pm Indoor and outdoor dining banned till Eid only takeaway and delivery to be allowed Office timings limited to 2 pm 50 per cent of staff to be allowed in offices If our circumstances become the same as India then we will have to close down cities We cant do that because as experience has shown the poor suffer the most when lockdowns are imposed the Prime Minister said People are telling me to impose a lockdown today but we are not going to do so because and I keep repeating this daily wagers and labourers will suffer the most That is why we have not taken action he said adding that however long this lasts will depend on the people The premier called on the nation to start observing precautionary measures in the same way which you did the previous year during Ramazan the Dawn reported Pakistan was the only country which had kept mosques open last year during Ramazan I was proud of the way our religious scholars and imams informed the people about precautionary measures he said The premier also noted that very few people were following SOPs If we dont take precautionary measures we will have to impose a lockdown which will also affect our economy at a time when it is on the rise The Prime Minister added that he had asked the Pakistan Army to assist the police and law enforcement agencies in enforcing SOPs We have been asking people to follow precautionary measures But we have seen that people have become careless He added that the government was making all out efforts to procure vaccines We have asked China but their demand is also quite large There is a shortage in the rest of the world Even if we get the vaccines today it will take at least a year for them to have an impact he said What will make the biggest difference is following precautionary measures he said reiterating that half the problem is solved when wearing face masks He hoped that once the nation starts following SOPs the number of cases would decrease Until we face this together we will not be able to win I remember how a year ago people adopted precautionary measures and followed SOPs before Ramazan because they were scared But citizens have become tired over the span of a year and fatigue has set in which is why there is such a stark difference He hoped the nation would follow SOPs so that the government is not forced to lock down cities IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-pm-calls-in-army-as-covid-cases-surge-119759.html Sat, 24 Apr 2021 16:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/india-using-afghan-soil-to-carry-out-terrorism-in-balochistan-pak-prez-119592.html Islamabad April 23 Pakistan President Arif Alvi has said that India is using Afghanistans soil to carry out terrorist activities in Balochistan The Pakistani President was speaking to the US media on various issues on Thursday On ties between New Delhi and Islamabad he said that Pakistan cannot move towards normalisation of ties with India it rolls back its August 5 decision to scrap Indianoccupied Kashmirs autonomy the Geo TV reported He commented on the Afghan Reconciliation Process saying that the US decision to withdraw its forces from the wartorn country is a positive step towards peace in Afghanistan Pakistan will try to persuade the Taliban to take part in the Turkey conference said the President On Indias involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan Alvi said that Pakistan has informed the global community of Indias designs India is using the Afghan soil to meddle in the affairs of Balochistan and carry out terrorism there he said Alvi also said the relations between Pakistan and the US are improving He touched upon the topic of Pakistans internal affairs stating that when it comes to reconciliation between the government and the Opposition the matter of accountability is of primary importance Due to the Oppositions lack of cooperation the government has failed to pass a lot of legislation he said Alvi said that he completely trusts the judiciary which is why the Justice Qazi Faez Isa reference was sent to the Supreme Judicial Council A couple of days ago a session of the National Assembly was called during which a PTI lawmaker passed the resolution to debate on the expulsion of the French ambassador Violent protests staged by the proscribed organisation TehreekeLabbaik Pakistan TLP triggered clashes which led to the deaths of four police officers while 800 were wounded One of the main demands of the TLP from the government is to expel the ambassador of France after French President Emmanuel Macron supported blasphemous sketches published by French magazine Charlie Hebdo Following the clashes the government held talks with the TLP and decided to submit a resolution in the National Assembly seeking the expulsion of the French envoy Alvi said that Pakistan is a democratic country and a resolution demanding the expulsion of the French ambassador is presented in the lower house for debate I dont have the right to say something which under the garb of freedom of speech injures the sentiments of others he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/india-using-afghan-soil-to-carry-out-terrorism-in-balochistan-pak-prez-119592.html Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-killed-in-quetta-hotel-blast-119271.html Quetta A Pakistani comforts to another mourning over the death of his family member in a bomb blast at a hospital in Quetta Pakistan Wednesday April 21 2021 A powerful bomb went off in the parking area of a fivestar Serena hotel in the southwestern city of Quetta on Wednesday wounding some people police said PTI Quetta April 22 Four people were killed and over a dozen others injured when an explosiveladen vehicle exploded inside the parking lot of a hotel in Pakistans Quetta city Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad confirmed There was a threat alert in Quetta and other major cities after some suspicious calls were intercepted and security was on high alert including cities in Balochistan Rasheed told Xinhua news agency on Wednesday night He said that despite the security measures the vehicle carrying explosives managed to enter the parking lot from the main gate of the Serena hotel which is a matter of big concern and the responsible people will be taken to task for creating security lapse which gave terrorists a chance to carry out the attack Terror group TehrikiTaliban Pakistan claimed responsibility in a text message to journalists saying a suicide bomber launched the attack targeting locals and foreigners but the claim has not yet been officially confirmed The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital whose spokesman Waseem Baig told Xinhua that two of the injured people are in critical condition and a state of emergency has been declared at the hospital by the provincial government Soon after the blast the hotels parking area located in its premises was sealed by the counter terrorism department of police who also restricted media to access the site for reporting Inspector General Police of Balochistan Muhammad Tahir Rai said According to initial investigation some 40 kg of explosives were used in the attack Fire erupted in several vehicles following the blast badly destroying five to seven of them he added Talking to Xinhua intelligence sources who were close to the hotel when the incident happened said that the loud blast was heard many miles away from the blast site and fire erupted in the hotels parking following the explosion Security has been beefed up in other cities including Islamabad following the blast and all sensitive government buildings and installations are being guarded according to local reports IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-killed-in-quetta-hotel-blast-119271.html Thu, 22 Apr 2021 17:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-minister-warns-of-more-curbs-to-arrest-covid-spread-119159.html Islamabad April 21 Pakistans Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar on Wednesday warned of more restrictions due to the deteriorating Covid pandemic situation across the country The Minister after chairing an important session at the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC said that this time the implementation of Covid19 SOPs is not good and shared that the number of critical cases in the country has exceeded 4500 geotv reported At the NCOC we reviewed the pandemic situation which is bad We have taken several decisions to impose more curbs which would be announced on Friday Umar said adding that right now we are not closing major cities but we just have a margin of a few days He said that the positivity ratio in Karachi and Hyderabad is 13 per cent and 14 per cent respectively while in Mardan it is 33 per cent and 38 per cent in Bahawalpur In several cities more than 80 per cent of ventilators are in use Umar added that the administration has failed to implement the SOPs the result of which is evident Health facilities are under stress due to increasing number of positive cases which have now crossed 83000 He asked the Chief Ministers to take action against the SOP violators and urged them to help the NCOC in controlling the pandemic You are the elected leaders people have voted you they will listen to you IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-minister-warns-of-more-curbs-to-arrest-covid-spread-119159.html Wed, 21 Apr 2021 20:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/no-meeting-scheduled-with-jaishankar-in-uae-pak-fm-118609.html Islamabad April 19 Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who is on a threeday visit to the United Arab Emirates UAE has ruled out backchannel talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar who is also in the Gulf country I am here for a bilateral visit and not an Indiaspecific agenda My agenda is UAEPakistan and not IndiaPakistan The Express Tribune quoted Qureshi as saying to reporters in Dubai on Sunday a day after reaching the UAE putting an end to speculations of a possible meeting with Jaishankar I dont think a meeting is set out with the Indian Foreign Minister We want peace in the region and cordial ties with all our neighbours including India he added The Minister welcomed the UAEs mediation in resolving Pakistans issues with India We welcome thirdparty facilitation but no matter what friends say the initiative has to be indigenous he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/no-meeting-scheduled-with-jaishankar-in-uae-pak-fm-118609.html Tue, 20 Apr 2021 01:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/karachi-witnesses-spike-in-street-crimes-118616.html Karachi April 19 Karachi has witnessed an unprecedented spike in the number of street crimes during the January to March period this year that claimed the lives of 98 people a media report said on Monday The data compiled by security administration and gathered by Dawn news revealed that residents of the city lost millions of rupees in armed robberies and snatching at gunpoint in the said period Among other acts of robbery and mugging the was a spike in the number of cell phone and motorbike snatching at gunpoint The number of snatching and theft of fourwheelers remained high during the first three months of 2021 as a total of 477 cases were reported according to the data The data also showed that during the first three months of 2021 Karachi police registered five cases of kidnapping for ransom No such case was reported during the entire first quarter of the last year Of the 98 victims 34 were killed while putting resistance to armed bandits IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/karachi-witnesses-spike-in-street-crimes-118616.html Tue, 20 Apr 2021 02:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/banned-pak-outfit-frees-11-policemen-118624.html Islamabad April 19 Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid on Monday announced that after a successful round of negotiation with TehreekeLabbaik Pakistan TLP the banned outfit had released 11 policemen taken hostage from Lahore a day earlier First round of negotiations have been successful which have led to TLP releasing the policemen it had held hostage The second round of negotiations will begin after sehri The Express Tribune quoted the Minister as saying in a video message The 11 hostages included a Deputy Superintendent of Police On Sunday clashes erupted between TLP members and police at Multan road in Lahore leaving a few group supporters killed and more than 100 injured according to sources For at least three days TLP protesters have choked Pakistan staging sitins at the main highways Angry mobs have had violent confrontations with the security forces resulting in martyrdom of three police officers while hundreds others were critically injured due to the torture and assault they suffered in the hands of the TLP protesters On April 14 the Pakistan government decided to put a ban on TLP under the antiterrorism law the summary of which was later approved by the Prime Minister In November last year the TLP had staged a sitin in Rawalpindi demanding expulsion of the French Ambassador over publication of blasphemous caricatures The protest brought the capital Islamabad and other major cities to a complete standstill as highways were blocked by the protesters and violent confrontations with tear gar rubber bullets and water cannons were used by security forces to disperse the mob However the group ended the protest after reaching an agreement with the government claiming that all of its four demands had been accepted The government had agreed to involve Parliament to decide the matter of expulsion of French Ambassador within three months As the deadline ended on February 16 and the government failed to meet the agreement terms TLP decided to take to the streets again with the same demand IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/banned-pak-outfit-frees-11-policemen-118624.html Tue, 20 Apr 2021 03:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-temporarily-bans-travel-from-india-118732.html Islamabad April 20 Pakistan has banned travel from India for two weeks in the wake of the unprecented resurgence of the Covid19 pandemic in the neighbouring country the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC in Islamabad said The NCOC on Monday decided to place India in its C Category list following which all passengers coming from India via land or air routes will not be allowed to enter the country reports Xinhua news agency Indias overall coronavirus tally has increased to 15321089 after the country registered more than 2 lakh confirmed cases for six consecutive day amid the second wave of the pandemic The death toll currently stood at 180530 Meanwhile Pakistan is also currently facing a serious third wave of the pandemic and to control its further spread the country is taking multiple measures including closure of schools banning public gatherings and closing markets twice a week among others Temporarily banning travel from the countries where Covid19 cases are surging is also a part of the governments plan to control the disease spread IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-temporarily-bans-travel-from-india-118732.html Tue, 20 Apr 2021 14:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-embarks-on-uae-visit-118097.html Islamabad April 18 Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has embarked on a threeday official visit to the United Arab Emirates UAE according to the Foreign Ministryin Islamabad Qureshi will meet his counterpart of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed alNahyan and other officials during the visit which started on Saturday Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying It added that he will also meet the Pakistani diaspora and interact with local and international media Qureshi will hold consultations with the UAEs leadership on all areas of bilateral cooperation including collaboration in trade and investment job opportunities for Pakistani workforce and the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora according to the Ministry IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-embarks-on-uae-visit-118097.html Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:15:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-begin-inoculation-for-50-59-age-group-from-april-21-118153.html Islamabad April 18 Pakistans National Command and Operation Centre NCOC has announced its decision to start the vaccination of people in the 5059 age group against Covid19 from April 21 it was reported on Sunday Taking to Twitter on Saturday Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said Decision taken in todays NCOC meeting to start vaccination of people in the age group of 50 to 59 from Wednesday the 21st of April Would once again encourage everyone to register for the vaccination The announcement came as the number of active Covid19 cases in the country spiked to 79108 with with 4984 patients currently hospitalised Pakistan has so far reported a total of 750158 cases with 16094 deaths and 654956 recoveries IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-begin-inoculation-for-50-59-age-group-from-april-21-118153.html Sun, 18 Apr 2021 16:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/troops-withdrawal-need-to-coincide-with-afghan-peace-117770.html Islamabad April 16 The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said that it is important that the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan coincides with progress in the peace process Pakistan believes there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan spokesman of the Foreign Ministry Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said while responding to media queries about the US decision to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan before September 11 reports Xinhua news agency He said a negotiated political solution through an Afghanled and Afghanowned process is important for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan The spokesman said Pakistan will continue to work together with the international community in efforts to promote Afghan peace process IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/troops-withdrawal-need-to-coincide-with-afghan-peace-117770.html Sat, 17 Apr 2021 06:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/social-media-blackout-in-pak-amid-anti-france-protests-117891.html Islamabad April 16 Pakistan on Friday blocked social media platforms amid fears that activists of a radical Islamist group might use the technology to stoke violent protests against last years depiction of the Prophet Muhammad in France Followers of farright TehreekeLabaik Pakistan TLP a group that supports the countrys controversial blasphemy laws have blocked roads and chocked streets at deadly protests that started on Monday reports dpa news agency The protesters are demanding that the government fulfil an earlier promise to expel the French Ambassador by April 20 over the publication of a cartoon depicting the prophet last year At least five people including two police officers have been killed in the protests which have prompted the France Embassy in Islamabad to urge French nationals to leave Pakistan temporarily Social media has been blocked for a few hours so that troublemakers can not use it during Friday prayers congregations an official told dpa Facebook Twitter Instagram WhatsApp and TikTok are inaccessible across the country including the capital Islamabad Political parties Islamist groups and militant organisations like Pakistani Taliban heavily rely on social media platforms to connect with their followers IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/social-media-blackout-in-pak-amid-anti-france-protests-117891.html Sat, 17 Apr 2021 16:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/cpec-sez-to-create-over-200k-job-opportunities-for-pak-117712.html Islamabad April 16 A special economic zone SEZ being constructed in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province under the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC will create over 200000 job opportunities for the locals a top official said Chief Executive Officer of the stateowned Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Economic Zones Development and Management Company Javed Khattak told the media on Thursday that the Rashakai SEZ in the province is prioritized as a special economic park spreading over an area of about 1000 acres near the provincial capital of Peshawar reports Xinhua news agency The SEZ a milestone of the implementation of industrial cooperation under the CPEC framework will become an important trade hub Khattak said The official said that the SEZ will have pharmaceuticals textile food and beverages steel and various engineering related industries and online applications for it are open He said the strategic position of the province connecting the country to Afghanistan will be fully utilised and its abundant natural resources will find new markets thanks to the provinces linkage to CPEC routes The CPEC is a flagship 62 billion project of Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative that aims to connect Asia Africa and Europe through a vast network of highways rail lines and sea lanes The multibillion dollar corridor connects the Chinese city of Kashgar with Pakistans Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/cpec-sez-to-create-over-200k-job-opportunities-for-pak-117712.html Sat, 17 Apr 2021 00:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-withdraws-customs-duty-on-cotton-yarn-import-117461.html Islamabad April 15 The Economic Coordination Committee ECC of Pakistan has approved to withdraw customs duty on import of cotton yarn till June 30 to facilitate the textile sector the Finance Ministry here said The top economic body took the step to ensure smooth supply of cotton and cotton yarns to the valueadded industry while bridging the gap between domestic production and overall demand for the inputs Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying in a statement on Wednesday Shortly after the committees decision Abdul Razak Dawood advisor to the premier on commerce textile industry and production and investment said on Twitter that regulatory duty on cotton yarn import was already withdrawn in December last year ECC has withdrawn customs duty on import of cotton yarns to facilitate the ValueAdded exporters This will be notified with the approval of the cabinet he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-withdraws-customs-duty-on-cotton-yarn-import-117461.html Fri, 16 Apr 2021 06:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-army-chief-blinken-discuss-afghan-peace-process-117352.html Islamabad April 15 Pakistans Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the Afghan peace process the military in Islamabad confirmed In a statement the military said that during a phone call on Wednesday Blinken and Bajwa discussed matters of mutual interest regional security situation including latest developments in the Afghan peace process and bilateral cooperation in various fields reports Xinhua news agency The Army chief said that Pakistan will always support an Afghanled and Afghanowned peace process based on mutual consensus of all stakeholders according to the statement Blinken acknowledged Pakistans continuous efforts for peace and stability in the region and pledged to further enhance bilateral relations the statement added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-army-chief-blinken-discuss-afghan-peace-process-117352.html Thu, 15 Apr 2021 18:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-holds-virtual-summit-with-uzbek-prez-117361.html Islamabad April 15 Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan exchanged views on bilateral regional and international issues during a virtual summit with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev according to the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad During the wideranging talks on Wednesday Khan underlined the importance of enhancing political and diplomatic linkages fast tracking trade and economic cooperation increasing security and defence cooperation and taking steps to deepen mutual collaboration in the fields of education culture and tourism Xinhua news agency quoted the Ministry as saying The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of rail road and air connectivity and highlighted the enormous potential that exists in diverse fields to build an expanded mutuallybeneficial partnership The two leaders reviewed the level of progress on the transAfghan railway project agreed between Pakistan Uzbekistan and Afghanistan earlier this year The project would be a first step in linking the Central Asian transport network with Pakistani seaports of Gwadar Karachi and Qasim according to the Ministry The two leaders also discussed important global and regional matters of mutual interest and reaffirmed the commitment to supporting each other at all international and regional fora it added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-holds-virtual-summit-with-uzbek-prez-117361.html Thu, 15 Apr 2021 19:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-remittances-remain-over-2bn-for-10th-month-116862.html Islamabad April 13 Pakistans remittances remained over 2 billion in March for the 10th month in a row the countrys central bank said The remittances rose to 27 billion in March 2021 which was 20 per cent higher than those of February and 43 per cent higher than those of March 2020 Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the State Bank of Pakistan SBP issued on Monday as saying Cumulatively during JulyMarch of FY21 from July 2020 to June 2021 remittances have risen to 215 billion up by 26 per cent over the same period of FY20 the statement said The central bank termed proactive policy measures by the government and the SBP to encourage more inflows through formal banking channels limited crossborder travel in the face of Covid19 medical expenses and altruistic transfers to Pakistan amidst the pandemic as the main reasons for the increasing remittances Orderly foreign exchange market conditions are also continuing to contribute to this sustained rise in workers remittances said the statement Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday hailed the increase in the remittances and expressed gratitude to overseas Pakistanis for their support IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-remittances-remain-over-2bn-for-10th-month-116862.html Wed, 14 Apr 2021 02:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-approves-chinas-sinovac-vax-for-emergency-use-115920.html Islamabad April 10 Amid te ongoing third wave of the Covid19 pandemic the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan DRAP has approved Chinas Sinovac vaccine against the virus for emergency use the National Institute of Health in Islamabad announced According to a statement released by DRAP the CoronaVac vaccine developed by Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac has been given emergency use authorization for people aged 18 and above Xinhua news agency reported The statement said the authorization will be reviewed every quarter keeping in view data regarding safety efficacy and quality of the vaccine It is the third Chinese Covid19 vaccine to be approved by the country after Sinopharm and CanSino vaccines Pakistan kicked off its vaccination drive in early February upon receiving vaccine donation from China So far Pakistan has reported 710829 confirmed cases with 15229 deaths IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-approves-chinas-sinovac-vax-for-emergency-use-115920.html Sat, 10 Apr 2021 16:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-national-assembly-speakers-afghanistan-visit-delayed-115483.html Islamabad April 8 The visit of the Speaker of Pakistans National Assembly Asad Qaiser to Afghanistan has been postponed due to security threat a top official said here on Thursday Speakers visit to Kabul postponed as airport was closed due to security threat The plane was about to descent when the control tower informed of the closure of airport New dates for the visit will be decided after mutual consultations Special Representative of Pakistan for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq who is a part of Qaisers delegation said in a tweet An official from the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul also confirmed to Xinhua news agency that the visit was postponed According to the secretariat of the National Assembly the lower house of Pakistans Parliament Qaiser was originally scheduled to pay a threeday official visit to Afghanistan on Thursday for talks on bilateral relations focusing on ways to enhance ties between the parliaments of both countries The secretariat said that Qaiser was heading a ninemember delegation and they would hold meetings with Speaker of Wolesi Jirga or the lower house of the Afghan Parliament Mir Rahman Rahmani and others IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-national-assembly-speakers-afghanistan-visit-delayed-115483.html Fri, 09 Apr 2021 08:53:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/private-pak-importers-rush-for-russian-vax-115512.html Islamabad April 8 Private importers in Pakistan are negotiating to procure more of Russias Sputnik V vaccine for commercial sale AGP Pharma a pharmaceutical company based in the southern city of Karachi that imported 50000 doses of Sputnik V said on Thursday they were trying to get their hands on more Our negotiations are ongoing things are in the pipeline and we will know in a couple of days how many more doses we may get companys spokesman Umair Mukhtar told dpa news agency More importers were seeking the governments permission to import Russian jabs after a price dispute was resolved Health Ministry spokesman Sajid Shah said Pakistans government last week allowed private companies to import vaccines from Russia and China but imposed a price cap on the amount that could be charged to the consumer around 80 dollars for two doses of Sputnik V The importers had earlier refused to roll out the vaccine unless they were allowed to set the price higher than the 50dollar cap the government was demanding While private distributors have not been able to start purchases from China a higher demand for that jab has pushed the price beyond 100 at some private hospitals The 50000 doses that AGP Pharma earlier imported were overbooked within hours according to hospitals More than 700000 people have been infected so far with more than 15000 deaths but an official inoculation drive is moving slow after promised supplies under the global distribution system COVAX were delayed Pakistan was supposed to get 17 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines in March but has not got the supplies so far after a production shortfall and high demand in India Only 1 million people mostly health workers and elderly citizens have been inoculated so far in the country of 216 million Most of those shots were donated from Pakistans ally China IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/private-pak-importers-rush-for-russian-vax-115512.html Fri, 09 Apr 2021 10:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-urges-d-8-members-to-push-back-against-vax-nationalism-115696.html Islamabad April 9 Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said that members of the D8 Organization for Economic Cooperation should push back against vaccine nationalism and undue export restrictions to let Covid19 vaccine reach equally to all countries of the world Addressing the 10th D8 Summit hosted in virtual format on Thursday Khan said the D8 should call for Covid19 vaccine to be treated as a global public good ensure equity affordability enhanced production and timely supply to save lives according to the Prime Ministers Office The D8 is an organization for the development of cooperation among the following countries Bangladesh Egypt Indonesia Iran Malaysia Nigeria Pakistan and Turkey reports Xinhua news agency The 10th summit was hosted by Bangladesh under the theme of Partnership for a Transformative World Harnessing the Power of Youth and Technology The Prime Minister said the contemporary global challenges of a changing world are a moving target and no single country can address these complexities in isolation calling upon D8 members to mobilise financing and resources to recover robustly from the economic and health crises induced by the pandemic He underlined the need to create opportunities for the youth through harnessing technology promoting innovation and investing in youth education skills and training IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-urges-d-8-members-to-push-back-against-vax-nationalism-115696.html Fri, 09 Apr 2021 20:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-russia-vow-to-boost-bilateral-ties-115246.html Islamabad April 8 Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi here during which the two sides agreed to strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation Lavrov arrived in Pakistan on Tuesday for a twoday visit to discuss bilateral and regional matters reports Xinhua news agency A statement from the Prime Minister Office said that during the meeting on Wednesday Khan reiterated that the importance Pakistan attaches to its relations with Russia as a key foreign policy priority and expressed satisfaction at the steady growth in bilateral ties Enhanced bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy industrial modernization railways and aviation was discussed the statement said The Prime Minister reaffirmed Islamabads resolve to expeditiously conclude the requisite legal process for the Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline project and commence the work as early as possible Views were also exchanged on the health and economic challenges posed by the Covid19 pandemic while Khan also congratulated Russia on its development of SputnikV vaccine and underscored Pakistans procurement plans in this regard according to the statement In the regional context Khan stressed the importance of a negotiated political settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan and appreciated Russias efforts in promoting the Afghan peace process Earlier in the day speaking at a joint press conference with Qureshi Lavrov said that his country is ready to further build counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan through supply of military equipment This serves in the interest of all states of the region Lavrov said adding that both countries have agreed on conducting more joint military exercises The visiting Foreign Minister said the increase in bilateral trade is satisfactory and expressed readiness to further strengthen economic relations He showed concern over the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan Russia and Pakistan have agreed to further facilitate the agreement among Afghan parties through inclusive political dialogue he said Speaking on the occasion Qureshi reiterated Pakistans resolve to build a strong multifaceted relationship with Russia There is a new approach and mindset in Pakistan for a relationship with Russia We feel that not just we have geographic proximity but Russia is a factor of stability in the region and the world at large he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-russia-vow-to-boost-bilateral-ties-115246.html Thu, 08 Apr 2021 13:31:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-keeps-most-schools-shut-114804.html Islamabad April 6 Pakistani authorities announced on Tuesday that most schools would remain closed for another three weeks as thousands of children were infected with Covid19 amid a third of wave of the pandemic Students from grades one to eight will remain at home until April 28 before the situation is reviewed again dpa news agency quoted Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood as saying here Classes for grades nine to 12 are to resume on a staggered basis in two weeks the minister said The country reported more than 100 deaths in the past 24 hours on Monday the highest figure so far during the latest wave of infections Fears are rising in Pakistan as more than 10000 children have caught the deadly virus health officials said The country is heading towards a grim milestone of 15000 deaths since the outbreak began Last month Pakistan closed all schools when the positivity rate of those tested for the coronavirus reached 10 per cent Levels had slightly improved on Monday when just over 8 per cent of tests were positive Officials nonetheless called the situation alarming The slow rollout of vaccine is also hindering the governments attempts to improve the situation Pakistans leading medic Faisal Sultan said After supplies were delayed under the global distribution system Pakistan relied on political ally China for vaccine However only around 1 million people have received their first jab so far due to the sluggish rollout The Pakistan Medical Association the countrys largest body of health care professionals has advised the government against reopening schools until the current wave of cases subsides IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-keeps-most-schools-shut-114804.html Wed, 07 Apr 2021 01:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/another-ttp-terrorist-killed-in-pak-114451.html Islamabad April 5 Another TehrikeTaliban Pakistan TTP terrorist was killed by security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a day after another active militant was eliminated in the province an Army statement said The statement on Sunday said that security forces conducted an operation in the Dewagar area of North Waziristan district in the province on information of the presence of terrorists reports Xinhua news agency During the exchange of fire a TTP terrorist was killed the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations said in the statement The slain terrorist was actively involved in target killings terrorist activities against security forces extortion and planting improvised explosive devices according to the statement On Saturday the army said that an active TTP terrorist was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces in North Waziristan Pakistan has conducted a series of military operations against terrorist groups in North Waziristan that borders Afghanistan Although the area has mostly been pacified remnants of terrorist groups still manage to launch attacks on security forces sporadically IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/another-ttp-terrorist-killed-in-pak-114451.html Mon, 05 Apr 2021 17:39:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/ttp-terrorist-killed-in-pak-114232.html Islamabad April 4 An active TehrikeTaliban Pakistan TTP terrorist was killed during an intense exchange of fire with security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province an army statement said The security forces conducted an intelligencebased operation in Boya area of North Waziristan on confirmation of the presence of terrorists the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations said in the statement on Saturday It added that the killed militant remained involved in target killing terrorist activities against security forces extortion and planting improvised explosive devices reports Xinhua news agency Pakistan has conducted a series of military operations against terrorist groups in North Waziristan that borders Afghanistan Although the area has mostly been pacified remnants of terrorist groups still manage to launch attacks on security forces sporadically IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/ttp-terrorist-killed-in-pak-114232.html Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-judge-family-members-shot-dead-114492.html Islamabad April 5 A Pakistan antiterrorism court judge his wife and two children were killed after unidentified gunmen opened fire at his vehicle in Swabi district Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province police sources said The judge was on his way to the national capital Islamabad when the militants ambushed him and killed him with his family members near an interchange at the motorway on Sunday the sources told Xinhua news agency Two policemen including the judges driver were wounded in the attack the sources added The judge his 10yearold son wife and sixyearold daughter were killed on the spot and the policemen are also in a very critical condition the sources said The attackers fled the scene before police arrived No group or individual has claimed the attack yet IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-judge-family-members-shot-dead-114492.html Mon, 05 Apr 2021 20:06:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-observed-slight-dip-in-violence-last-month-114025.html Islamabad April 3 A slight reduction in violence was observed in Pakistan during the month of March according to the statistics released by an Islamabadbased think tank The statistics released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies PICSS on Friday revealed that a total of 20 militant attacks were monitored last month in which 25 people were killed while 37 others were injured Xinhua news agency In February the same number of militant attacks were reported but the number of deaths and injuries were higher compared to March as 30 people were killed while 42 others were injured according to PICSS Increase in militant attacks as well as security forces actions in Sindh province indicates that militants are trying to create troubles in this province According to the PICSS report the highest number of militant attacks were reported from the tribal areas where five militant attacks were monitored in which four people were killed and two others were injured In Balochistan province 10 people were killed and 24 others were injured in four militant attacks In other areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa three people were killed and three others were injured in four militant attacks In Sindh five people were killed and six others were injured in four militant attacks Punjab province witnessed two militant attacks in which two people were killed while Islamabad reported one incident in which a policeman was killed and two others were injured IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-observed-slight-dip-in-violence-last-month-114025.html Sun, 04 Apr 2021 05:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/russian-fm-to-visit-pakistan-114056.html Islamabad April 3 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to visit Pakistan from April 6 to 7 the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad announced Addressing a briefing on Friday Ministry spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said the broad agenda of discussions will include bilateral ties with particular focus on economic cooperation between the two countries reports Xinhua news agency The two sides will also share their respective perspectives on regional and international issues of mutual interest Chaudhri said Earlier Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in Moscow that Lavrov will hold talks with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi There are plans to conduct a detailed discussion on the current status of bilateral relations and their development prospects including opportunities for further strengthening trade economic and counterterrorism cooperation Zakharova said at a press briefing on Thursday She said the two foreign ministers will conduct an indepth exchange of views on matters concerning the regional and international agenda and will focus on Afghan issues and cooperation at multilateral venues IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/russian-fm-to-visit-pakistan-114056.html Sun, 04 Apr 2021 09:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/40-devotees-hurt-in-clashes-at-pak-shrine-113803.html Karachi April 2 Around 40 devotees were injured after they clashed with the police at a shrine in Pakistans Sindh province the media reported on Friday The incident at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan on Thursday evening took place after the provincial government had announced the closure of all shrines in an effort to curb the spread of Covid19 reports Dawn news Despite the announcement thousands of devotees had already arrived in Sehwan to participate in the 769th urs of the great Sufi saint slated to begin on Thursday evening Police personnel deployed around the shrine kept telling the incoming devotees to turn away as there was no chance to open the shrine However the crowd managed to break open one of the gates of the shrine to storm into it Reinforcement of an additional 200 policemen and Rangers personnel were called in to assist with restoring law and order At least seven policemen were also injured in the ensuing violence The shrine remains closed as per the provincial governments order IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/40-devotees-hurt-in-clashes-at-pak-shrine-113803.html Sat, 03 Apr 2021 09:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-oppn-announces-anti-govt-rallies-after-eid-113806.html Islamabad April 2 The opposition Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz PMLN has announced of launching fresh antigovernment protest rallies after EidulFitr it was reported on Friday A senior PMLN leader said the announcement was made after an over threehour long virtual meeting was held in Islamabad on Thursday which was presided over by PMLN supremo and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reports The Express Tribune On the instructions Sharif it has been decided that the PMLN will start a fresh round of protest rallies after Eidul Fitr the leader said adding that the same would be communicated to the 11party opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement PDM in its next meeting He said the party hopes and expects that all PDM constituent parties would join the PMLN in its movement However he said it has been decided that the party with or without the PDM parties would continue with its plan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-oppn-announces-anti-govt-rallies-after-eid-113806.html Sat, 03 Apr 2021 10:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-launches-drone-patrolling-on-highways-113495.html Islamabad April 1 Pakistan on Wednesday launched drone patrolling on highways and motorways to prevent violations of traffic rules on the main arteries of the country according to an official statement The monitoring system at the highways and motorways were also upgraded with bodyworn cameras national highways and motorway police vehicle tracking system and public service vehicles management system Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying on Wednesday Speaking at the launching ceremony the countrys Federal Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said that the upgrade of the system will help motorway and highway police to control traffic accidents and save lives through the use of modern technologies on the roads Briefing the officials and attendees Inspector General of National Highways and Motorways Police Syed Kaleem Imam termed the development a key achievement in the departments vision to secure the roads The main purpose of using drone technology is to prevent violations of traffic laws on motorways and highways as well as to ensure the immediate assistance of distressed people and effectively monitoring of traffic flow and dangerous points on highways The official added that the bodyworn cameras will help improve the performance of police staff besides enabling the management to have audio and video evidence of any accident live recording of traffic management modern policing on motorways and highways as well as increasing public confidence IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-launches-drone-patrolling-on-highways-113495.html Fri, 02 Apr 2021 05:49:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/first-batch-of-cansino-vaccines-arrives-in-pak-113116.html Islamabad March 31 The first batch of CanSino Covid19 vaccines that the Pakistani government purchased from China arrived here on Tuesday night Earlier the third phase trials of the CanSino vaccine had been conducted in Pakistan and it is the second Chinese Covid19 vaccine that Pakistan approved for emergency use in the country the Xinhua news agency reported The CanSino Biologics Inc said that the singledose CanSino Covid19 vaccine is expected to facilitate the building of immunity in the Pakistani society to help the country restore the normal functioning of society and economy In February Special Assistant to the Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan said that the third phase trials of the CanSino vaccine showed that it is 748 per cent efficient in preventing symptomatic cases of Covid19 in the country Sharing results of the trials in Pakistan on social media Sultan said that the Covid19 vaccine proved 100 per cent efficient at preventing severe disease in Pakistan Sultan further said that the interim analysis by an independent data monitoring committee also said that the vaccine showed 657 per cent efficacy at preventing symptomatic cases and 9098 per cent at preventing severe disease in multicountry analysis adding that the committee did not report any serious safety concerns regarding the vaccine Currently Pakistan is facing a third wave of Covid19 and the positivity rate has seen a sharp rise forcing the Pakistani authorities to continue tightening the antipandemic measures including banning public gatherings across the country A total of 4084 new Covid19 cases were reported in Pakistan during the last 24 hours taking the tally to 663200 out of which 14356 died and 600278 recovered according to the data released by the countrys health ministry on Tuesday IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/first-batch-of-cansino-vaccines-arrives-in-pak-113116.html Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/royal-saudi-air-force-participates-in-air-exercise-in-pak-113126.html Riyadh March 31 The Royal Saudi Air Force RSAF and their US and Pakistani counterparts have begun a joint military exercise at Mushaf Air Base in Punjab province the Saudi Defense Ministry said on Tuesday The Aces Meet 2021 maneuvers were launched on Monday in the presence of Major General Awad AlZahrani the Saudi Military Attache in Pakistan and Chief of Air Staff Operations Vice Marshal Waqas Sulehri the Arab News reported A number of RSAF Tornado combat aircraft are taking part in the exercise together with their air technical and support crews It includes the planning and implementation of training sorties and counteroperations and defensive and offensive training in a number of war scenarios said Lt Col Hamad AlHajjri the commanding operations officer of the participating RSAF forces He added that it also includes training for air operations in environments that differ from that of the Kingdom Capt Abdulrahman AlOmari commander of supply and provisioning said that by working in different environments technical crews are able to maintain equip and arm aircraft to the highest quality standards and follow all safety procedures required to meet operational needs and increase combat readiness The exercise which continues until April 10 also aims to provide an exchange of experiences and expertise in the field of planning and in combat and support air operations IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/royal-saudi-air-force-participates-in-air-exercise-in-pak-113126.html Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-killed-in-pak-market-firing-112934.html Lahore March 30 Three people were killed and three others injured in a firing inside a market in Pakistans Punjab province according to local media reports Mondays incident was the outcome of a clash between two groups in the busy market in lahore and the victims included the President of a trader union Xinhua news agency quoted the reports as saying The President had set up a barrier in one of the streets of the market to stop vehicles from entering the congested streets but his rival group tried to stop him and opened fire at him after a heated debate the reports added The injured had been shifted to a nearby hospital where their condition is stable Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar expressed has sought a report from the concerned officials IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-killed-in-pak-market-firing-112934.html Tue, 30 Mar 2021 18:07:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-starts-5-day-anti-polio-campaign-112705.html Islamabad March 29 Pakistan on Monday launched a new doortodoor campaign to vaccinate millions of children against polio despite the risks posed by increasing coronavirus infections an official said The fiveday campaign will target over 40 million children under the age of five reports dpa news agency Around 285000 frontline workers will span out across Pakistans 156 districts to administer the oral drops while following Covid19 safety protocols Covid19 continues to challenge us but we are committed to ensure continuity of the essential public health services during these difficult times the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan said in a statement Pakistan and Afghanistan are among only a few countries in the world where polio is still endemic The country came very close to eliminating polio but recorded 147 cases a fiveyear high in 2019 amid vaccine boycotts and attacks on health workers Pakistan started a polio programme in 1994 but the work of the health workers was repeatedly hampered by violent incidents by extremists The UNfunded drive also faces opposition from religious conservatives who believe the vaccine administered in multiple rounds is intended to make Muslim children sterile The second polio vaccination drive of the year started at a time when country is battling to bring down steadily rising daily infections of coronavirus over 4000 per day amid a third wave of the pandemic On Monday Pakistan put virus hotspots in over two dozen cities with higher infection rate under lockdown and started the process of vaccinating people aged 50 and above The Covid19 vaccination campaign had started last month but has received a lukewarm response IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-starts-5-day-anti-polio-campaign-112705.html Tue, 30 Mar 2021 01:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/bus-trailer-collision-kills-5-in-pak-112489.html Islamabad March 28 At least five people were killed and 12 others injured when a bus collided with a trailer on Sunday in Pakistans Punjab province The accident took place early Sunday morning in Sheikhupura district Xinhua news agency reported Local media reports said the injured persons have been shifted to a hospital Road accidents are quite frequent in Pakistan mainly due to poor roads badly maintained vehicles and unprofessional driving IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/bus-trailer-collision-kills-5-in-pak-112489.html Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-to-visit-tajikistan-for-heart-of-asia-112559.html Islamabad March 29 Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will on Monday leave for Dushanbe Tajikistan where he will attend the 9th Heart of AsiaIstanbul Process ministerial conference the Foreign Ministry here confirmed in a statement At the ministerial conference on Tuesday Qureshi will deliver an address highlighting Pakistans positive contributions to the Afghan peace process and its support for Afghanistans development and connectivity within the regional framework Xinhua news agency quoted the statement issued on Sunday as saying On the sidelines of the conference the Foreign Minister will hold consultations with key regional and international partners During his visit to Tajikistan from Monday to Wednesday Qureshi will have bilateral engagement with the Tajik leadership the statement added The Heart of Asia process provides a platform for regional cooperation with Afghanistan at its centre and with the recognition by the participants that a secure and stable Afghanistan is vital to the prosperity of the region The process involves 15 participating countries 17 supporting countries and 12 regional and international organisations IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-to-visit-tajikistan-for-heart-of-asia-112559.html Mon, 29 Mar 2021 09:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-bans-public-gatherings-to-counter-3rd-wave-112600.html Islamabad March 29 Pakistan has imposed a complete ban on public gatherings in strengthened efforts to counter the ongoing third wave of the coronavirus pandemic according to a statement from the National Command and Operation Center NCOC All kinds of gatherings indoor or outdoor will be banned with immediate effect Xinhua news agency quoted the statement issued on Sunday ass aying It added that the ban covers all social cultural political sports and other events There will also be a complete ban on marriage functions indoor or outdoor from April 5 However provinces will be at liberty to implement restrictions in early time frame as per the situation on ground said the statement Amid a rising number of coronavirus cases Prime Minister Imran Khan who had also tested positive for the virus earlier this week on Sunday urged citizens to strictly follow the standard operating procedures as the country cannot afford a complete lockdown The third wave of the pandemic is more severe than the previous ones therefore Pakistanis should strictly adhere to the health guidelines including wearing a mask and avoiding gatherings Khan said in a televised address to the nation According to data released by the NCOC on Sunday 4767 new confirmed coronavirus cases were reported in Pakistan in the last 24 hours taking the countrys total tally to 654591 with 14215 deaths IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-bans-public-gatherings-to-counter-3rd-wave-112600.html Mon, 29 Mar 2021 13:51:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-calls-for-inclusive-policies-over-climate-change-112459.html Islamabad March 28 Pakistan has called for inclusive cooperative and forwardlooking policies to counter the challenge of climate change in the world according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry Responding to media queries spokesman of the Foreign Ministry Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri said on Saturday that Pakistan remains fully committed to playing its due role in the fight against climate change which is one of the defining challenges reports Xinhua news agency He said that Pakistans commitment to addressing climate change including landmark initiatives like the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khans leadership on this account is well accepted and appreciated around the world Pakistan despite being among the top 10 countries affected by Climate Change is one of the lowest emitters with less than 1 per cent of the global emissions Chaudhri said Pakistan is also meaningfully contributing to shaping the global climate change discourse he added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-calls-for-inclusive-policies-over-climate-change-112459.html Sun, 28 Mar 2021 21:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-conducts-flight-test-of-ballistic-missile-112263.html Islamabad March 27 Pakistan has conducted a successful flight test of the Shaheen1A surfacetosurface ballistic missile which has a range of 900 km the Army said In a statement the Armys media wing InterServices Public Relations ISPR said the test flight of Shaheen1A on Friday was aimed at revalidating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system including advanced navigation systems Xinhua news agency President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan and the military chiefs congratulated on the successful missile test the ISPR statement said The flight test was witnessed by senior officials of various organisations involved in the countrys missile systems and scientists and engineers of strategic groups according to the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-conducts-flight-test-of-ballistic-missile-112263.html Sat, 27 Mar 2021 21:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/6-killed-in-pakistan-road-accident-111821.html Islamabad March 25 Six people were killed and three others injured when a passenger van collided with a truck in Pakistans Balochistan province according to authorities The accident took place on Wednesday in Mastung area when the van carrying about a dozen passengers slammed into the truck coming from the opposite direction Xinhua news agency quoted a paramilitary official as saying to reporters The victims including two women were members of the same family whereas the injured were also their close relatives local media reports said The injured people were shifted to a nearby hospital where one of them was said to be in critical condition Road accidents are frequent in Balochistan mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles and roads IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/6-killed-in-pakistan-road-accident-111821.html Fri, 26 Mar 2021 08:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-to-attend-heart-of-asia-meeting-111303.html Islamabad March 23 Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will attend the Heart of Asia meeting which will also see the participation of his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar a media report said on Tuesday The meeting will take place in Dushanbe Tajikistan the Dawn news report said The Heart of Asia process provides a platform for regional cooperation with Afghanistan at its centre and with the recognition by the participants that a secure and stable Afghanistan is vital to the prosperity of the region The process involves 15 participating countries 17 supporting countries and 12 regional and international organisations This development comes a week after Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa asked India to bury the past and move forward while saying the military was ready to enter talks to resolve all our outstanding issues Bajwas comments came following Prime Minister Imran Khan call for a resolution on Kashmir which he described as the one issue that holds us back If Qureshi and Jaishankar meet in Dushanbe it would be the first meeting between the two top officials the Dawn news report said In May 2019 Qureshi met the then Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during an informal interaction in Bishkek on the sidelines of an SCO meeting According to the report Pakistani officials have not yet commented on the QureshiJaishankar meeting but did not rule out a possibility In view of the events taking place around us we cannot say its impossible the Dawn news report quoted one of the officials as saying IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-to-attend-heart-of-asia-meeting-111303.html Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/smart-lockdown-planned-for-islamabad-111306.html Islamabad March 23 Islamabad authorities are planning to impose smart lockdowns in Covid19 hotspots across the Pakistani capital city following a surge in the number of fresh cases and deaths the media reported on Tuesday The Dawn news report said that the capital citys District Health Office has set indicators to evaluate the spread of Covid19 in different areas so that the smart lockdowns can be imposed District Health Officer Zaeem Zia told Dawn news that work was in progress to evaluate the spread of the virus as per the indicators including residents response to standard operating procedures SOPs number of active patients and singleday cases The health office has already categorised areas of the capital into three zones Red Orange and Green The situation has become serious and now we are left with no other option but to take strict measures and action against violators of SOPs to prevent further spread of the virus Zia added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/smart-lockdown-planned-for-islamabad-111306.html Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/more-covid-hotspots-in-pak-under-lockdown-110081.html Islamabad March 18 Pakistani authorities on Thursday placed more coronavirus hotspots under lockdown and warned people to take caution as the country witnessed the highest number of new daily infections this year amid a poor response to the vaccination drive At least 3495 people were infected with Covid19 on Wednesday the highest number this year with 61 deaths official statistics released on Thursday showed With the new figures the overall caseload and death toll stood at 615810 and 13717 respectively Pakistan last week announced the spread of the more contagious British strain had triggered a third wave of the pandemic closed schools and reintroduced some restrictions in the densely populated cities reports dpa news agency We now think the situation is heading to worse said Asad Umar a federal minister who is leading the countrys response to the pandemic Officials have put many more virus hotspots in cities under a microlockdown with the movement of people restricted Umar said The new surge was recorded amid a poor response by health workers and elderly people to an ongoing vaccination drive open for them Pakistan has received 1 million doses of vaccines from China as a donation and was expecting more under an international cooperation plan But a survey conducted at the start of the year had revealed around half of the citizens were sceptical of the vaccines and would not go for a jab IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/more-covid-hotspots-in-pak-under-lockdown-110081.html Fri, 19 Mar 2021 13:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-questions-illegal-migrants-deported-by-germany-poland-110018.html Islamabad March 18 Pakistani authorities were on Thursday interrogating more than a dozen illegal immigrants after they were deported by Germany and Poland officials said A chartered flight carrying 27 people deported by Germany and two from Poland landed in Islamabad dpa news agency quotd Sheikh Naeem from the Federal Investigation Agency FIA that deals with immigration as saying Immigration authorities released 10 of the deportees but arrested the rest for questioning another FIA official Amjad Khan said They have been charged with leaving the country through illegal means including with the help of people smugglers Khan said Rejected asylumseekers and those who tried to enter the European countries on fake documents were among the deportees the two officials said The FIA has arrested several dozen suspected people smugglers from Punjab province in the crackdown launched some three years ago Thousands of young Pakistanis try to reach countries like Germany France Italy and Spain every year in anticipation of a better future They pay millions to human traffickers to take them to Europe through a dangerous land and sea route that goes through Iran Turkey and Greece Hundreds of illegal immigrants either die on their way or end up in jail in one of these countries IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-questions-illegal-migrants-deported-by-germany-poland-110018.html Fri, 19 Mar 2021 07:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-receives-2nd-batch-of-covid-vax-from-china-109774.html Islamabad March 18 Pakistan has received the second batch of the Sinopharm Covid19 vaccines from China The vaccines arrived on Wednesday and a handover ceremony held at the Noor Khan Air Base near Islamabad reports Xinhua news agency Speaking on the occasion Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan thanked the Chinese government for once again providing the Covid19 vaccine aid to Pakistan The newlyarrived Sinopharm vaccine doses are crucial to the further implementation of Pakistans vaccination drive he said Sultan said that Pakistan is currently facing a third wave of the pandemic and he urged the public to continue following restrictive measures including wearing a mask and keeping social distancing The first batch of the Sinopharm vaccines had arrived in Pakistan on February 1 Pakistan officially launched its National Covid Immunization Program with the frontline healthcare workers given the priority for inoculation On March 10 Pakistan began vaccinating its people aged 60 years and over in the second phase of the nationwide vaccination drive IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-receives-2nd-batch-of-covid-vax-from-china-109774.html Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:11:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-appoints-new-air-force-chief-109803.html Islamabad March 18 The Islamabad government appointed Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar as the new chief of the Pakistan Air Force PAF According to the announcement made by the PAF on Wednesday Babar will assume the new role on Friday He was commissioned in the PAF as a fighter pilot in April 1986 and has commanded a fighter squadron an operational airbase and regional air command reports Xinhua news agency He also served as assistant air chief for operation research and development assistant air chief for training officers and the directorgeneral of projects at the Air Headquarters Babar will replace the incumbent Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan at the change of command ceremony to be held at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Friday the reports said IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-appoints-new-air-force-chief-109803.html Thu, 18 Mar 2021 11:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-poll-body-issues-notice-to-pti-on-foreign-funding-109634.html Islamabad March 17 The Election Commission of Pakistan ECP has issued notices to the Pakistan TehreekiInsaf PTI and its own scrutiny committee to appear before it on March 22 to explain their stance over secrecy of scrutiny in the PTI foreign funding case This follows a complaint by petitioner Akbar S Babar against the scrutiny committees decision to keep PTI documents secret The decision was taken by a threemember bench headed by ECP member from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa retired Justice Irshad Qaiser after hearing Babars complaint on Tuesday Dawn reported Babars lawyer Ahmad Hassan Shah challenged the scrutiny committees decision and invoked the Right to Information Act to seek access to the documents The lawyer argued that access to PTI documents is a right of the petitioner in light of Article 54 of the Political Parties Order 2002 and Section 2035 of the Election Act 2017 Geo tv reported By keeping the documents secret the ECP scrutiny committee is violating the terms of reference of scrutiny that clearly demands scrutiny in the presence of both parties the petitioners lawyer said He said the scrutiny process would be a sham and mere attempt to rubber stamp fake documents The lawyer said a secrecy order of the committee is illegal About the performance of the committee Shah regretted that other than writing a letter to the SBP to seek PTI accounts there has been no investigation into the credible evidence provided regarding illegal funding from across the globe He read out excerpts of the scrutiny committee order sheets where the committee has refused to share accounts because of pressure from PTI IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-poll-body-issues-notice-to-pti-on-foreign-funding-109634.html Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-minor-dies-in-police-custody-109240.html Peshawar March 15 A class seven student died under mysterious circumstances in police custody in Pakistans Peshawar city triggering a protest outside the station the media reported on Monday In response Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan suspended the entire staff of the Gharbi police station where the boy died on Sunday and ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident Dawn news reported According to a statement issued by Chief City Police Officer Abbas Ihsans office the student was arrested on Sunday after a heated argument with a shopkeeper and a pointing weapon at him The police registered an FIR against him and later he committed suicide inside the lockup the statement added But refuting the suicide claim the boys father died in the lockup due to police torture On Sunday night a large number of people and relatives of the victim staged a protest demonstration outside the Gharbi police station and chanted slogans against the police highhandedness and misuse of power This is the second such incident in Peshawar in recent days Dawn news said A few days ago two policemen were arrested for killing a male student after the latter did not stop on their signalling In 2019 four incidents of custodial deaths had occurred in police lockups IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-minor-dies-in-police-custody-109240.html Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-educational-institutions-to-shut-again-109248.html Islamabad March 15 Amid an ongoing third wave of the Covid19 pandemic in Pakistan educational institutions in seven cities in Punjab province as well as Islamabad and Peshawar have been closed again for a period of two weeks from Monday However academic activities will continue online during this period reports The Express Tribune Moreover ongoing and prescheduled exams can be conducted as planned with complete observance of Covid19 health and safety protocols The seven cities in Punjab province are Lahore Rawalpindi Sargodha Faisalabad Multan Gujranwala and Gujrat where a major lockdown has come into effect This development comes after Federal Minister Asad Umar confirmed that the third wave of Covid19 has started in Pakistan and attributed the rising number of cases to the virus UK strain IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-educational-institutions-to-shut-again-109248.html Tue, 16 Mar 2021 07:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-sends-relief-goods-to-iraq-108713.html Islamabad March 14 Pakistan has sent a batch of Covid19related relief goods to Iraq to help the latters fight against the pandemic the Foreign Ministry here said in a statement The first planeload was dispatched today in presence of the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ambassador of Iraq to Pakistan Xinhua news agency quoted the statement issued on Saturday as saying The next two consignments of relief goods are expected to be sent in the coming week the Ministry confirmed The Covid19 pandemic is a global challenge which can only be contained with international solidarity and cooperation The government and people of Pakistan stand by their Iraqi brethren in this difficult time the statement added The Ministry said Pakistan and Iraq have multifaceted relationship marked by regular highlevel exchanges and growing cooperation in diverse fields IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-sends-relief-goods-to-iraq-108713.html Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:28:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/major-lockdown-imposed-in-7-pak-cities-108791.html Lahore March 14 Amid the ongoing third wave of the Covid19 pandemic in Pakistan a major lockdown will be imposed in seven cities in Punjab province starting from Monday onwards The lockdown which comes after a gap of one year will remain in force for two weeks i the cities of Lahore Rawalpindi Sargodha Faisalabad Multan Gujranwala and Gujrat Dawn news reported on Sunday According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Punjab provincial government the major lockdown will restrict the movement of the people there will be a complete ban on gatherings of all kinds for social religious or other purposes at any place public or private marriage and banquet halls community centres and marquees will remain closed and also a complete ban on indoor and outdoor dining while only takeaway and home delivery will be allowed The statement also said that there will be a complete ban on all kind of sports cultural and other activities and events throughout the province Also on Saturday the Punjab government enforced a smart lockdown in 36 more localities of three cities including Lahore IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/major-lockdown-imposed-in-7-pak-cities-108791.html Sun, 14 Mar 2021 16:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-hindu-community-pardons-temple-attack-accused-108794.html Peshawar March 14 The Hindu community of Pakistan has decided to pardon the accused persons involved in the vandalisation of a temple last December in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Karak district the media reported on Sunday The community would provide aid and employ efforts to secure release of the accused from the prison in the light of the recommendations of a jirga The Express Tribune quoted Pakistan Hindu Council Chairman Ramesh Kumar as saying at a press conference in Peshawar on Saturday On December 30 2020 an unruly crowd set fire to the Samadhi of Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj located in Karak districts Teri area after more than a thousand people led by some local elders of a religious party held a protest and demanded the removal of the temple originally built before 1920 In January the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had announced reconstruction of the temple as well as a crackdown against the attackers Last month the Supreme Court directed the provincial government to start the temples immediate rebuilding Addressing the presser on Saturday Kumar said the incident shocked the community across the world and frightened other minorities of the country as such incidents were almost nonexistent in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa until the recent past This was the second time that the shrine had been attacked It was demolished in 1997 and then rebuilt in 2015 as per the orders of the Supreme Court IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-hindu-community-pardons-temple-attack-accused-108794.html Sun, 14 Mar 2021 16:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3rd-covid-wave-starts-in-pak-108560.html Islamabad March 12 Asad Umar Pakistans Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives on Friday said that a third wave of the Covid19 pandemic has started in the country Yes there is no doubt that the third wave has started and basically the phenomena thats driving it is the spread of the UK strain The Express Tribune quoted Umar as saying while speaking to a local media outlet The Minister added that the uptick in cases was witnessed in districts where a large portion of the Pakistani British community lives We then asked NIH to carry out genome sequencing after which it became evident in northern Pakistan including Islamabad said Umar who also heads the country centre for Covid19 response Later he added sequencing was carried out across the country adding We reached the conclusion that the dominant strain right now is the UK strain On Friday Pakistans Covid19 case tally crossed the 600000 mark with 2701 fresh infections There are a total of 566492 recoveries while the death toll stood at 13377 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3rd-covid-wave-starts-in-pak-108560.html Sat, 13 Mar 2021 16:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-tiktok-star-commits-suicide-after-marriage-proposal-rejection-108572.html Peshawar March 12 A Pakistani TikTok star from Peshawar has committed suicide after female fan rejected his marriage proposal a media report said Twentyyearold Shahzad Ahmad who had over a million followers on the Chinese videosharing app had tried to commit suicide in the recent past but was saved The Express Tribune report said on Thursday He was in love with a girl but her father turned down his marriage proposal repeatedly after which Shahzad was really depressed and he committed suicide the victims brother Sajjad said a complaint he had filed One of Shahzads friend told The Express Tribune Two years ago he was approached by a girl who claimed to be a fan This relation developed into a friendship soon but the girl was just a 16yearold teenager studying in school He immediately proposed her but his proposal was turned down on the basis of the girls age IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-tiktok-star-commits-suicide-after-marriage-proposal-rejection-108572.html Sat, 13 Mar 2021 17:13:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-begins-covid-inoculation-of-elderly-people-107853.html Karachi A man reacts while receiving a Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine from a health worker at a vaccination center in Karachi Pakistan Wednesday March 10 2021 Pakistan has started vaccinating people who are 60 years old or above to protect them from COVID19 amid a steady increase in cases and fatalities from the disease PTI Islamabad March 10 Pakistan on Wednesday began vaccinating elderly people aged 60 years and above against the novel coronavirus according to Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan The group of elderly people have been planned to receive the vaccine in the second phase of a nationwide vaccination drive Sultan told Xinhua news agency Pakistan started its Covid19 vaccination drive in February after the arrival of Chinese vaccine doses with the frontline health workers given the priority for inoculation Last week the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan further approved the emergency use of the Sinopharm Covid19 vaccine for people over 60 years of age Pakistan began inoculating the elderly at a time when daily new COVID19 cases have been on the rise since it eased coronavirus restrictions late last month Pakistan reported 1786 new confirmed cases and 43 more fatalities in the past 24 hours bringing its total tally to 595239 with 13324 deaths according to data released by the Health Ministry on Wednesday IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-begins-covid-inoculation-of-elderly-people-107853.html Wed, 10 Mar 2021 17:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-army-chief-us-envoy-discuss-afghan-peace-107746.html Islamabad March 9 Pakistans Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the ongoing peace process for the wartorn country the military here said The meeting took place on Monday at the armys General Headquarters in Rawalpindi Xinhua news agency Khalilzad arrived in Pakistan earlier in the day after stops in Afghanistan and Qatar In a statement the militarys media wing ISPR said Matters of mutual interest regional security and ongoing Afghanistan Reconciliation Process were discussed during the meeting The meeting came as the new US administration under President Joe Biden chalked out a fourpoint strategy for the Afghanistan government with a vision to end the decades long war warning of dangerous and dire consequences if the peace deal with the Taliban is scrapped In a letter written by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed to the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Head of the Afghan peace council Abdullah Abdullah it was warned and intimated that if the peace deal with the Taliban is negated it would result in an opportunity for the terror outfit to make rapid territorial gains which may lead to toppling of the Kabul administration The US and the Taliban signed an agreement in February 2020 which called for a full withdrawal of American military forces from the conflictridden country by May 2021 if the militant group meets the conditions of the deal including severing ties with other terrorist organisations The administration of President Joe Biden had noted that the Taliban had not met its commitment under the USTaliban deal The war in Afghanistan which has caused about 2400 US military deaths is the longest one in American history IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-army-chief-us-envoy-discuss-afghan-peace-107746.html Wed, 10 Mar 2021 04:34:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/5-terrorists-killed-in-pak-107505.html Islamabad March 8 At least five terrorists were killed on Monday in a police operation in Pakistans Balochistan province The Counter Terrorism Department CTD of police launched the operation earlier in the day in Mastung district reports Xinhua news agency Local reports quoting CTD officials said that the operation was conducted based on an intelligence information in Splinji area The CTD personnel cordoned off a hideout and asked the terrorists to surrender but they opened fire which led to a shootout said the reports The slain terrorists were working on a plot to launch attacks in the provincial capital of Quetta according to the officials Police recovered heavy explosives detonators automatic weapons live rounds and remotecontrolled devices and others from their possession IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/5-terrorists-killed-in-pak-107505.html Tue, 09 Mar 2021 02:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/aurat-marches-to-take-place-across-pak-107513.html Islamabad March 8 Aurat Marches are scheduled to take place on Monday across Pakistan to mark International Womens Day during which participants will demand for the protection of female rights in the country The firstever Aurat March took place in 2018 in Karachi after which it extended to other major cities including Lahore Multan Faisalabad Larkana and Hyderabad reports Dawn news According to organisers Mondays marches are expected to take place in Karachi Lahore Islamabad and other cities Marking the day top Pakistani officials paid tributes to women and also called for them to be given equal rights Taking to Twitter Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said Pakistani women contributed immensely for glory and honour of our nation They are also at forefront against Covid Women in uniform have proved their mettle by contributing copiously in diverse fields serving the nation and humanity They deserve our immense respect and gratitude While Minister for Information Shibli Faraz said that March 8 highlighted womens high status in society and their commendable services in different sectors National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said protection of womens rights was the top priority of the government for the formation of a progressive society In her message PMLN Vice President Maryam Nawaz said she dreams of a Pakistan where women excel in every field and play leading roles Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry encouraged girls to opt for science subjects to change their and the countrys destiny IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/aurat-marches-to-take-place-across-pak-107513.html Tue, 09 Mar 2021 03:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/2-police-personnel-shot-dead-in-pak-107479.html Islamabad March 8 Two police personnel were shot dead and two others injured in separate attacks in Pakistan authorities said Deputy Inspector General of Islamabad police Afzaal Kausar said in a statement that some unknown gunmen opened fire with automatic weapons at a police party in Islamabads Sector G13 area on Sunday night reports Xinhua news agency A subinspector and two constables sustained injuries in the attack Kausar said Police and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in Islamabad where one of the police constables succumbed to the injuries during treatment local media reported The officer said that police personnel were on their routine patrolling duty when they came under the attack They tried to stop a motorcycle for search but the gunmen opened fire at the personnel said the police officer adding that the area has been cordoned off and search operation is in progress Earlier in the day a police inspector was shot dead in Rawalpindis Mall Road area according to an official statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/2-police-personnel-shot-dead-in-pak-107479.html Mon, 08 Mar 2021 23:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/1-dead-25-hurt-in-pak-train-derailment-107110.html Rohri Army police and rescue workers gather at the site of a derailed train in near Rohri in southern Pakistan Sunday March 7 2021 Eight cars of a Lahore bound train derailed in southern Pakistan early Sunday killing and injuring some passengers officials said PTI Islamabad March 7 A woman was killed and over 25 others were injured when nine out of 18 compartments of a passenger train derailed in Pakistans Sindh province on Sunday a top official confirmed In a statement Inspector General of Pakistan Railways Police Arif Nawaz said the train was on its way to Lahore from Karachi and the derailment took place in Sukkur district Xinhua news agency reported The derailed compartments fell into a ditch due to overspeeding according to the initial investigation Commissioner of Sukkur Shafiq Mahesar told media However Divisional Transportation Officer of Sukkur Railways Shahbaz Babar who is also heading the rescue operation told Xinhua that the cause of the accident will be determined after the investigation Babar added that two critically injured people have been shifted to the hospital while the remaining wounded people were given firstaid treatment at the station and were sent to Lahore with other passengers Sukkur is the junction point between Sindh Balochistan and Punjab provinces and receives a heavy flow of traffic during the peak hours Thousands of passengers suffered delay due to the accident and we have no choice but to move trains oneafteranother Babar said He said the traffic was flowing on a single line and about 10 to 15 trains have been delayed due to the accident Meanwhile three out of nine derailed compartments have been removed from the ditch he added Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati told the media that he has formed a twomember team to determine the cause of the accident and strict action will be taken against the train driver if found guilty of negligence IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/1-dead-25-hurt-in-pak-train-derailment-107110.html Sun, 07 Mar 2021 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-terrorists-killed-in-pak-military-ops-107182.html Islamabad March 7 Eight terrorists were killed in two separate operations by Pakistani security forces in Khyber Paktunkhwa province an army statement said The intelligencebased operations were conducted in two different areas of the North Waziristan district located along PakistanAfghanistan border reports Xinhua news agency The terrorists belonged to different factions of the banned TehrikeTaliban Pakistan outfit and had remained involved in terrorist activities against security forces law enforcement agencies and locals of the area since 2009 the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations said in the statement The terrorists also carried out improvised explosive device IED attacks firing target killing kidnapping for ransom and extortion These terrorists were also involved in recruiting terrorists in the area Security forces recovered huge cache of arms from hideouts the statement added North Waziristan used to be a hotbed of militancy but the security forces have successfully flushed out insurgents from the area in separate armed offensives Though the area has been purged from the militancy to a great extent sporadic attacks continue in the area IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-terrorists-killed-in-pak-military-ops-107182.html Sun, 07 Mar 2021 21:57:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-approves-emergency-use-of-sinopharm-vax-106805.html Islamabad March 5 Pakistan on Friday approved the emergency use of the Sinopharm Covid19 vaccine for people over 60 years of age a statement by the National Command and Operation Center NCOC said The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan allowed all registered healthcare workers with the national institute of medical sciences who are above 60 years old to get themselves vaccinated from designated vaccine centres an NCOC statement read It is phase two of the vaccination process in Pakistan Xinhua news agency reported In phase one the country inoculated the Sinopharm vaccine to its frontline medical staff The vaccine doses were donated by China earlier last month to help the country fight against the Covid19 pandemic Pakistan has so far registered 587014 coronavirus cases with 13128 deaths IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-approves-emergency-use-of-sinopharm-vax-106805.html Sat, 06 Mar 2021 01:27:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/china-pak-celebrate-70th-anniversary-of-diplomatic-ties-106369.html Beijing March 3 China and Pakistan should push their cooperation to a higher level wider range and greater depth as they celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties Chinese State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said He made the remarks when attending a ceremony on Tuesday to commence the celebrations with his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi via video link reports Xinhua news agency Noting the ChinaPakistan friendship enjoys a timehonoured history Wang said the two countries have carried out allround cooperation and developed allweather friendship under the personal care of generations of leaders of both countries since the establishment of diplomatic ties 70 years ago He said China and Pakistan should deepen political mutual trust continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning each others core interests and major concerns strengthen communication and cooperation on major strategic issues and jointly respond to changes in the international and regional situation as well as various risks and challenges Wang urged the two countries to uphold the principle of mutual benefit for winwin results promote the construction of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC and create new growth points for cooperation to better benefit the two peoples China and Pakistan should encourage people from all walks of life especially the younger generation to more actively participate in activities of friendly exchanges so as to advance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples he said Hailing Chinas development achievements and fruitful results of bilateral cooperation Qureshi said Pakistan firmly adheres to the oneChina policy firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative BRI and believes that CPEC will become a paradigm project of the BRIs highquality development IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/china-pak-celebrate-70th-anniversary-of-diplomatic-ties-106369.html Thu, 04 Mar 2021 05:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/opposition-asks-imran-to-resign-with-honour-106492.html Middlesbrough Britains Prime Minister Boris Johnson left and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak right aboard a boat on the River Tees during a visit to Teesport in Middlesbrough England Thursday March 4 2021 Britains Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the north east following the Budget announcement that the Treasury and other government departments will be sited on an economic campus in Darlington and that Teeside and The Humber would be among eight new freeports in England PTI Islamabad March 4 Causing a blow to the ruling alliance headed by the Pakistan TehreekiInsaf PTI in the Senate elections from Islamabad an upbeat opposition on Wednesday asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to resign in an honourable way after the defeat of the governments candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh at the hands of Pakistan DemocraÂtic Movement PDM candidate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani If he the Prime Minister has honour then he should himself resign from the office Imran Khan should submit his resignation today as the demand for his resignation is no more only the oppositions demand but it has now become a demand of the government members as well said a cheerful Pakistan Peoples Party PPP chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari while speaking at a news conference at the Zardari House with Gilani and other senior party leaders hours after results of the elections on the Senate seats from Islamabad were announced by the returning officer the Dawn reported on Thursday Earlier the PPP chairman had tweeted DemoÂcracy is the best revenge Jiye Bhutto soon after the announcement of the result Later a number of other opposition leaders including supreme leader of the Pakistan Muslim LeagueN PMLN Nawaz Sharif through their social media accounts on Twitter also felicitated Gilani and termed his election a glorious victory Later Sharif talked to Gilani over telephone and congratulated him PMLN President and opposition leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif who had been brought to the capital to cast his vote through a production order in a statement said that Gilanis victory was the expression of a noconfidence by lawmakers in Imran Khans government Those who have destroyed the people and the countrys economy and the vote thieves sugar thieves and flour thieves have been exposed said Sharif Taking advantage of his presence in the Parliament House Shehbaz Sharif also presided over a meeting of the partys parliamentary group and senior leaders in which he bitterly criticised the governments performance saying that he had never seen such a worst government in the countrys history PMLN vice President Maryam Nawaz also tweeted congratulating Gilani as well as the PDM leadership Well done the PMLN congratulations to PMLN members who upheld the narrative of Nawaz Sharif future is yours said Nawaz in her tweet In another post she claiÂmed that the fake mandate has been snatched back by the peoples representatives Their own people despite the pressure on them refused to vote for Prime Minister Imran Khan she said adding that the premier now had no right to occupy the Prime Minister House Vote chor thief leave the chair PMLNs Secretary General Ahsan Iqbal said Imran Khan was a selected prime minister and now he has become a rejected Prime Minister The nation is expecting that he PM will resign from the office he said adding that a government whose ministers did not even know how to vote in Senate elections had no right to rule the country Speaking at the news conference BhuttoZardari said that the defeat of the Prime Minister from the National Assembly was a historic win for the PDM He said the PDM leadership challenged the government first in the byelections and then in the Senate and defeated it The PPP chairman said that Gilanis victory was also an expression of a no confidence on the IMFdictated budget and a reaction of the people over the prevailing price hike and unemployment in the country The PDM he said would continue its democratic struggle and the war against this puppet government and will soon send this cruel government packing Speaking on the occasion Gilani thanked the PDM leaders including Nawaz Sharif Maulana Fazlur Rehman Maryam Nawaz Akhtar Mengal and others and said that he would personally visit these leaders to offer his gratitude In reply to a question BhuttoZardari said that the option of moving a no confidence motion against the Prime Minister was still available and its timing and place would be decided by the PDM leadership with consensus There will be long march and there will be no confidence motion We will decide its timing and place he added In reply to a question about the decision of the government to challenge Gilanis election before the Election Commission of Pakistan ECP the PPP chairman simply said that Imran Khan was a sportsman and he should demonstrate sportsman spirit BhuttoZardari evaded a question about the leaked video of Gilanis son telling the PTI members about the technique to waste their votes saying that if the government had made an attempt to get its rival candidate disqualified from the race only a day before the elections this showed that they already knew the results PPP Secretary General Farhatullah Babar who was himself a candidate on a technocrat seat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but lost the election in a statement termed the victory of Gilani a win for democratic process and for political engagement more than the win of any individual Babar said election to the Senate and the byelections a few days earlier in various parts of the country had not only strengthened democratic process but also vindicated the position taken by the PPP that political parties should make use of every democratic process in fight against fascist tendencies All forums namely elections the Parliament the courts and by reaching out to the people directly must be availed in a democratic spirit he said Babar hoped that the PTI would accept and welcome the victory of Gilani as an expression of free will and call of conscience of the voters and not impute any ulterior motives to those who voted for him A senior PMLN leader and former Sindh governor Mohammad Zubair while talking to reporters said that the PDMs victory was the first step towards ouster of Imran Khans government If there is any shame left in Imran Khan he should resign tonight after dissolving the Assembly he said adding that this is a huge defeat for a sitting government which used all tactics to win the elections with the support of all other forces Zubair said they considered Gilanis victory a first compensation which they had received for the rigged general elections in 2018 The PMLN leader refuted charges that the PDMs victory was the result of vote buying and said all those having powers money perks and ministries were with the PTI Bhutto Zardari and Gilani later visited the residence of PDM President Maulana Fazlur Rehman Talking to reporters the Maulana said that Imran Khan had no choice but to resign as the nation wanted fresh elections in the country He said Khan had not only wasted his vote he had wasted himself He said that he was convening a meeting of the PDM heads next week to discuss the future strategy of the alliance IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/opposition-asks-imran-to-resign-with-honour-106492.html Thu, 04 Mar 2021 17:29:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/landmine-blast-in-pakistan-kills-2-kids-106123.html Islamabad March 2 A landmine blast killed two children in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province police officials said on Tuesday The blast took place in South Waziristan district on Monday evening Xinhua news agency reported The officials said that militants had planted a large number of landmines while they were in control of the tribal areas in the province including South Waziristans Located along PakistanAfghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province South Waziristan used to be a hotbed of militancy but security forces have successfully flushed out the terrorists from the area in separate armed offensives IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/landmine-blast-in-pakistan-kills-2-kids-106123.html Wed, 03 Mar 2021 01:20:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-senate-polls-to-be-held-as-per-past-practice-106130.html Islamabad March 2 The Election Commission of Pakistan ECP on Tuesday said that the Senate polls scheduled to take place on Wednesday will be held according to the Constitution and law as per past practice The Commission also decided that due to time constrain the ensuing Senate election scheduled for March 3 2021 will be conducted as provided in the Constitution and Law as per past practice The Express Tribune quoted the ECP as saying in a statement The Commissions statement came a day after the Supreme Court asked it to take all available measures including the use of the latest technology aimed at preventing against corrupt practices during the elections The apex court had also declared that the secrecy of the ballot was not absolute The Commission is taking all possible steps and measures to fulfil its constitutional duty to check that corrupt practices in the Senate elections are guarded against The Commission has so far not received a detailed orderopinion the statement further said IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-senate-polls-to-be-held-as-per-past-practice-106130.html Wed, 03 Mar 2021 02:18:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-issues-fresh-travel-advisory-106141.html Islamabad March 2 Pakistan issued a fresh travel advisory under which the categorised country list concerning inbound travel has been amended the media reported on Tuesday The fresh advisory issued by the Director Air Transport Department of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority PCAA will remain valid till March 14 Dawn news reported Under the new advisory nine more countries have been added to Category C which increased the total to 15 The countries are the UK South Africa Portugal Peru Netherlands Tanzania Botswana Columbia Comoros Ghana Ireland Kenya Zambia Brazil and Mozambique International travel to Pakistan from Category C countries is currently restricted and only allowed as per guidelines of the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC The PCAA has categorised 21 countries as Category A Travellers from Category A do not require Covid19 PCR test before entry into Pakistan Whereas travellers from countries not specified in Category A require a test 72 hours prior departure IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-issues-fresh-travel-advisory-106141.html Wed, 03 Mar 2021 03:33:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/paks-ppp-leader-claims-her-house-attacked-by-goons-105415.html Karachi Feb 27 Pakistan Peoples Party PPP leader Palwasha Khan on Saturday said that her house was attacked by five goons as she feels threatened by her move to contest the Senate poll Taking to Twitter the PPP leader said that she is being persecuted for speaking her mind and for being a woman This is too small a tactic to scare me out of the fight I wont give up Inshallah she tweeted Sharing much details of the Friday night attack Palwasha claimed that her GulistaneJauhar house attackers also threatened her family members with dire consequences Geo tv reported According to the PPP leader the attackers had told her family members to bring her out of the house Following the incident she had filed a complaint with the police and also informed Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah Palwasha is currently serving as the Deputy Information Secretary of the PPP She has been nominated as the PPPs candidate for the upcoming Senate election alongside other women leaders from the party which include Khairunisa Mughal and Rukhsana Shah IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/paks-ppp-leader-claims-her-house-attacked-by-goons-105415.html Sat, 27 Feb 2021 23:03:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-offers-15m-credit-line-to-sl-for-defence-cooperation-104728.html Islamabad Feb 24 Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that defence and security cooperation to end the menace of terrorism are of equal importance to both Pakistan and Sri Lanka He said that Pakistan has offered Sri Lanka a credit line of 15 million in this regard Geotv reported The Foreign Minister along with the Prime Minister Imran Khan are on a twoday official visit to Sri Lanka Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunwardena has said that Imran Khans visit will help strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation Later Qureshi addressed the media over Imran Khans visit to the Sri Lanka Qureshi said Pakistan is standing side by side with Sri Lanka as a partner for the development of human resources security cooperation fighting terrorism development and prosperity Qureshi said Pakistan has transformed its geopolitical priorities into geoeconomic priorities He said views were exchanged on enhancement of bilateral trade and investment with Sri Lanka We have decided to give 100 scholarships to Sri Lankan students in top medical institutes of Pakistan Qureshi said During his twoday visit to Sri Lanka Imran Khan has said that the country could strengthen its connectivity up to the Central Asian States by benefiting from the China Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC project Addressing a joint press conference with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa here after holding oneonone and delegationlevel talks he said My visit is aimed at strengthening the bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka especially trade and economic ties through enhanced connectivity The Prime Ministers of both the countries also reaffirmed their resolve to work together across a broad range of areas during extensive consultations held at the Temple Trees The oneonone meeting between the two prime ministers was followed by delegationlevel talks between the two sides IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-offers-15m-credit-line-to-sl-for-defence-cooperation-104728.html Thu, 25 Feb 2021 05:14:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/20-lawmakers-skip-meeting-called-by-imran-khan-in-peshawar-104346.html Yangon Demonstrators gather close to Indonesian Embassy in Yangon Myanmar Tuesday Feb 23 2021 Anticoup protesters gathered outside the embassy following reports that Indonesia was seeking to have fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to agree on an action plan over the Myanmars coup that would hold the junta to its promise to hold free and fair elections in a years time PTI Peshawar Feb 23 20 Pakistan TehreekeInsaf PTI lawmakers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including two former ministers who were recently expelled from the cabinet missed the meeting called by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Minister Shaukat Yousafzai played down any significance of the absentee lawmakers saying that those lawmakers had already informed the Prime Minister as well as Chief Minister Mehmood Khan about their prior engagements the Express Tribune reported During a visit to the provincial capital Imran chaired a meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa cabinet and PTI members of the provincial assembly at the Governors House The meeting took place against the backdrop of the PTIs loss in the recent bypolls in Nowshera According to sources 14 National Assembly members MNAs and six members of the provincial assembly MPAs from the province did not attend They included two former cabinet ministers Sultan Muhammad Khan and Liaquat Khattak Two of the absentee members were stated to be out of the country The absentee members were quoted as saying that they could not come to the meeting due to various others engagements the government sources confirmed When contacted Yousafzai said that the lawmakers did not attend the meeting with the permission of the prime minister The provincial minister insisted that they were all in touch with the party leadership and committed to the party discipline During the meeting Prime Minister Imran reiterated his resolve to uphold transparency in the democratic system saying that his politics was aimed at serving the masses and working for the betterment of coming generations During the meeting a detailed presentation was given to the prime minister on the ongoing development projects across the provinces especially in the merged tribal districts The overall political situation and partys matters were also discussed The manifesto of the PTI is to serve the masses wholeheartedly and without any discrimination Imran told the partys lawmakers Unfortunately some people joined politics to make money rather to serve the people he added A nation is destined to doom when it loses morality and cannot distinguish between right and wrong he added He added that the country was lagging behind in various fields because politicians come into power to steal money instead of utilising it the public office for public service On the occasion lawmakers backed Prime Minister Imran Khans vision and lauded his ideas Separately Prime Minister Imran met Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman and Chief Minister Mahmood Khan Imran visited Peshawar days after the party suffered a shocking defeat in Nowshera during the byelection last week After the loss the government expelled Liaquat Khattak brother of former chief minister and current defence minister Pervaiz Khattak for campaigning for the rival candidate The bypolls were held on Friday on NA45 Kurram1 NA75 SialkotVI PP51 Gujranwala1 and PK63 Nowshera3 The PTI lost both the provincial assembly seats in Punjab and KP The party won NA45 Kurram but the results of NA 75 has been put on hold by the Election Commission of Pakistan ECP The ECP stopped the announcement of the result amid allegations of rigging The ECP itself expressed suspicion that the results might have been tampered with and decided to conduct inquiry into the delayed results from 20 polling stations in Daska With the PTI claiming victory in the bypolls the opposition Pakistan Muslim LeagueNawaz PMLN demanded reelection in the constituency However in a statement on Monday Imran asked his partys candidate Ali Asjad Malhi to seek repolling in the controversial 20 polling stations Have always struggled for fair free elections So even though there is no legal compulsion to do so before ECP announces results I would request our PTI candidate to ask for repolling in the 20 polling stations Opposition is crying hoarse over in the Daska NA75 byelection Imran tweeted Imran also said that his party had been calling for open ballot in the upcoming Senate elections to ensure transparency in the electoral process It is because we want transparency that we are seeking open ballot for Senate elections The premier said his party always wanted to strengthen a fair and free election process and lamented that other political parties lacked this commitment We will always seek to strengthen a fair and free election process Unfortunately others lack this commitment IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/20-lawmakers-skip-meeting-called-by-imran-khan-in-peshawar-104346.html Tue, 23 Feb 2021 17:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/125-women-committed-suicide-in-pak-district-in-13-months-102079.html Islamabad Feb 14 At least 25 women committed suicide in Tharparkar district located in Pakistans Sindh province mainly due to poverty and social inequalities a media report said on Sunday The figure came to light during a workshop organised in Mithi where psychologists civil society and nongovernmental organisations discussed the causes and problems related to the rising trend of women forced to take their own lives in the district said the Geo News report A participant of the workshop revealed that more than 100 women had taken their own lives over the past one year The workshop discussed how on the one hand the people of Tharparkar especially women and children are losing lives to various diseases while on the other poverty and customs are also forcing young women to take their own lives Tharparkar district is the largest in Sindh and it also accounts for the largest Hindu population in Pakistan But it also has the lowest Human Development Index rating of all the districts of the province According to UN figures 87 per cent of the districts population live under poverty IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/125-women-committed-suicide-in-pak-district-in-13-months-102079.html Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-deploy-drones-to-supervise-highways-motorways-102080.html Islamabad Feb 14 In a first of its kind initiative Pakistan will deploy drones for the supervision of the countrys highways and motorways network the media reports on Sunday Citing sources in the National Highways and Motorways Police The Geo News report said that the system will be in place in a couple of weeks According to the sources the system would provide a record of roundtheclock movement on roads and it would not only help in controlling and managing the traffic volume across the motorways and highways for its smooth and safe flow but also provide for effective and timely interception of crimes The information gathered by the drones could be used in nabbing criminals The use of drones technology would be displayed towards the end of this month at few points on the motorways the Geo News report further quoted the sources as saying The project was discussed at the National Highways and Motorways Police NHMP headquarters on February 12 under its Inspector General Syed Kaleem Imam through a virtual conference attended by officers of the force from across the country IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-deploy-drones-to-supervise-highways-motorways-102080.html Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/another-chinese-vax-gets-nod-for-emergency-use-in-pak-101751.html Islamabad Feb 13 The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Drap has issued emergency use authorisation to the Covid19 vaccine by Chinese company Cansino Biologics Inc officials said adding the supply of the doses will begin in a few weeks It will become the fourth vaccine to be allowed for emergency use in Pakistan the Dawn news reported Cansino Biologics Inc is the only company that has conducted clinical trial in Pakistan with around 18000 volunteers participating from across the country The analysis which was released by the Independent Data Monitoring Committee IDMC showed that it had 7448 per cent efficacy rate in preventing symptomatic cases and 100 per cent in preventing severe disease The authorisation for emergency use has been issued on Friday just a day after Mexico decided to use Cansino Bios vaccine to immunise its citizens In another development Draps Clinical Trial Committee allowed another company to hold clinical trial in Pakistan During the trial around 9000 volunteers will be vaccinated through the University of Health Sciences UHS and Aga Khan University AKU Last month Cansino Bio completed its clinical trial in five countries Pakistan Mexico Argentina Chile and Russia and sent the data to the IDMC to officially announce the efficacy rate IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/another-chinese-vax-gets-nod-for-emergency-use-in-pak-101751.html Sat, 13 Feb 2021 21:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-conducts-training-launch-of-cruise-missile-101255.html Islamabad Feb 12 Pakistan conducted a successful training launch of a cruise missile with a range of 450 km the military said in a statement The statement issued by the InterServices Public Relations ISPR the armys media wing said that the Babur cruise missile launched on Thursday is capable of engaging targets at land and sea with high precision reports Xinhua news agency The missile was launched from a stateoftheart Multi Tube Missile Launch Vehicle the ISPR statement said The training launch was witnessed by senior military and civil officials who praised the standard of training and operational preparedness of the Army strategic forces which was reflected by the proficient handling of the weapon system in the field and fulfilment of all laid down training parameters President Arif Alvi Prime Minister Imran Khan and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and services chiefs congratulated the participating troops on conducting a successful training launch according to the statement Earlier this month Pakistan conducted a training launch of the surfacetosurface ballistic missile Ghaznavi which is capable of delivering nuclear and conventional warheads to a range of 290 km In January Pakistan conducted a flight test of ShaheenIII surfacetosurface ballistic missile which has a range of 2750 km IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-conducts-training-launch-of-cruise-missile-101255.html Fri, 12 Feb 2021 09:16:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-killed-pakistan-clash-101513.html Islamabad Feb 12 Four terrorists and four soldiers were killed during a clash in Pakistans South Waziristan district a military statement said on Friday The terrorists raided the security forces post in the district killing the soldiers late Thursday night the armys media wing InterServices Public Relations ISPR said in the statement The identities of the eight victims were not revealed by the ISPR Located along the PakistanAfghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province South Waziristan used to be a hotbed of militancy a few years ago but the security forces have successfully flushed out the terrorists from the area in separate highprofiled armed offensives Though the area has been purged from the militancy to a great extent sporadic attacks continue Last month security forces conducted an intelligencebased operation in the district During an intense exchange of fire two terrorists were killed and one was injured and arrested according to the ISPR IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-killed-pakistan-clash-101513.html Fri, 12 Feb 2021 23:36:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-killed-in-lahore-mosque-collapse-101297.html Islamabad Feb 12 Three people were killed and 10 others injured when the dome of an underconstruction mosque collapsed in Lahore local media reported About 25 labourers were working at the mosque when the dome collapsed on Thursday Xinhua news agency The injured people were shifted to a nearby hospital where two of them were in critical condition Police has launched investigation into the incident According to preliminary reports substandard construction material was the reason of the collapse IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-killed-in-lahore-mosque-collapse-101297.html Fri, 12 Feb 2021 11:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/minor-killed-in-pak-afghan-border-attack-101361.html Islamabad Feb 12 A fiveyearold minor was killed and seven children were injured in a crossborder attack from Afghanistan into Pakistani territory an army statement said The incident took place at 250 pm on Thursday when terrorists fired five rockets from Afghanistan into Bajaur district in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province the militarys media wing InterServices Public Relations said in the statement The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital a source told Xinhua news agency adding that the Pakistani troops conducted a retaliatory attack The army did not offer more details as to which group was involved in Thursdays attack On Sunday night the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said that its stance on the threats posed to the country and the region by terror groups like the TehrikeTaliban Pakistan TTP had been vindicated by a United Nations report The 27th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team released earlier this month said that the TTP was reported to have overseen a reunification of splinter groups that took place in Afghanistan and was moderated by the Al Qaeda which was expected to increase the threat to Afghanistan Pakistan and the region IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/minor-killed-in-pak-afghan-border-attack-101361.html Fri, 12 Feb 2021 14:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-sc-bars-carrying-out-death-penalty-for-3-mentally-ill-inmates-100921.html Islamabad Feb 10 The Pakistan Supreme Court on Wednesday barred the execution of three mentallyill convicts on death row saying that as it does not meet the ends of justice The verdict was delivered by a fivejudge bench headed by Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik at the apex courts Lahore registry Dawn news reported On January 7 the bench had reserved its verdict after marathon hearings on three appeals pertaining to as many mentallyill prisoners on death row The three prisoners Kanizan Bibi Imdad Ali and Ghulam Abbas had spent 30 18 and 14 years on death row respectively while exhibiting acute symptoms of mental illness On Wednesday the bench commuted Bibi and Alis death sentences to life imprisonment while it directed a fresh mercy petition to be prepared on behalf of Abbas It also directed the Punjab provincial government to immediately shift the three convicts to the Punjab Institute of Mental Health Lahore for treatment IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-sc-bars-carrying-out-death-penalty-for-3-mentally-ill-inmates-100921.html Thu, 11 Feb 2021 05:45:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-informs-chilean-counterpart-of-rescue-ops-for-missing-climber-100869.html Islamabad Feb 10 Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi apprised his Chilean counterpart Andres Allamand on rescue operations to locate a Chilean climber who went missing with two others while attempting to scale K2 the worlds secondhighest peak The Chilean climber Juan Pablo Mohr was attempting to scale K2 with Pakistans renowned mountaineer Ali Sadpara and John Snorri from Iceland when they lost contact and went missing on February 5 owing to bad weather conditions Xinhua news agency reported The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Qureshi on Tuesday expressed his deep concern over the missing team of mountaineers and apprised Allamand of efforts being made to locate them including a number of search flights by Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters amid challenging weather conditions over a treacherous terrain He assured his Chilean counterpart that Pakistan would make all possible efforts to trace the missing mountaineers the statement said Acknowledging the search and rescue operation Allamand thanked the government of Pakistan on behalf of the people of Chile and the family of Mohr for assistance in the search operations the statement added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-informs-chilean-counterpart-of-rescue-ops-for-missing-climber-100869.html Wed, 10 Feb 2021 22:08:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-terrorists-killed-in-pakistan-army-100367.html Islamabad Feb 2 The Pakistan Army said on Tuesday that that three terrorists were killed after they tried to infiltrate into the countrys northwestern region In a statement the Armys InterServices Public Relations ISPR media wing said security forces on Monday night conducted an intelligencebased operation to thwart an infiltration attempt by terrorists close to the PakistanAfghanistan border in the Lower Dir district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reports Xinhua news agency During exchange of fire three terrorists got killed the statement said A large quantity of weapons ammunition and grenades were also recovered according to the ISPR These terrorists were involved in several target killing incidents in the countrys northwestern Swat region in 2019 according to the Army They had planned to infiltrate and target several notables inside Pakistan but were timely engaged and killed it added The Army did not say which militant group the terrorists were affiliated with IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/3-terrorists-killed-in-pakistan-army-100367.html Wed, 03 Feb 2021 06:35:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/15-killed-in-pak-accident-100375.html Islamabad Feb 2 At least 15 people were killed and 10 others injured on Tuesday when a passenger van overturned in Pakistans Balochistan province The van was on its way to Karachi when it the accident occurred on QuettaKarachi highway due to poor visibility caused by an early morning fog Xinhua news agency reported The injured people were shifted to a nearby hospital where several of them are said to be in critical condition The bodies including five kids were handed over to relatives after identification The accident disrupted road traffic In January it was reported that at least 198 people have died in road accidents on the highways of Balochistan during the past year The Express Tribune reported Majority of these accidents took place at the QuettaKarachi and QuettaZhob highways According to sources from the Medical Emergency and Response Centers MERC the medics responded to 9249 accidents along the highways and treated approximately 11706 injured people IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/15-killed-in-pak-accident-100375.html Wed, 03 Feb 2021 07:50:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-begins-covid-19-vaccine-roll-out-100495.html Islamabad A health worker administers the Chinese Sinopharm COVID19 vaccine to his colleague while Prime Ministers advisor on health issues Faisal Sultan second right and other officials watches during a ceremony to start the vaccination campaign in Islamabad Pakistan Wednesday Feb 3 2021 Pakistani authorities have started vaccinating frontline health workers against the coronavirus amid a steady decline in confirmed cases and fatalities Wednesdays start of the vaccine campaign comes days after Pakistan received half a million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine donated by China PTI Islamabad Feb 3 Nearly a year after the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease Covid19 that claimed 11746 lives and infected more than half a million in Pakistan the government began vaccinating the frontline warriors on TuesÂday with a 50yearold doctor being the first health care worker HCW in the country to get the jab While a countrywide caÂmÂpaign is going to start formally on Wednesday in whÂiÂch over one million HCWs will be vaccinated agaÂinst the coronavirus in a period of two months an anaesthetist and critical care specialist Prof Rana Imran Sikander was the first doctor to have been vaccinated against the disease at PM Office in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan the Dawn reported On the occasion the Prime Minister said I congratulate my team which has worked promÂptly and vaccine was impÂorted We are also thankful to China which has provided vaccine Just like the vaccine has been inoculated to a doctor it will be given to frontline health care workers who have been dealing with the Covid19 patients In a second phase people of an age group over 65 will be vaccinated Vaccine is being distributed fairly in all the provinces and no one should think that one province has been getting more doses As the first tranche of the vaccine was sent to all federating units the premier urged all registered HCWs to get themselves vaccinated as they were considered the most vulnerable across the globe Interestingly photos and video clips of the first shot being administered to a Pakistani in the presence of Khan Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan and Minister for Planning Asad Umar went viral on social media and TV channels majority of the people remained unaware of his identity as his face was covered with mask The person who volunteered himself for the firstever official jab in the country was Rana Imran Sikander an anesthetist and critical care specialist at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Pims Sikander said I am 50 years old married and father of four children I drove to PM Office and then drove back to my house after being vaccinated I am in good health and did fourkilometre jogging in the evening He said people should not hesitate as vaccination was part of everyones life We get BCG just after birth polio vaccine till the age of five and a number of other vaccines throughout the life Even pregnant women are vaccinated So Covid19 vaccine is also just a vaccine similar to other vaccines we take regularly the doctor said Unfortunately he said there was a segment of society both in developing and developed countries which resisted vaccination Meanwhile according to the National Command and Operation Centre as many as 1220 more cases of coronavirus and 63 deaths have been reported from across the country during the past one day IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-begins-covid-19-vaccine-roll-out-100495.html Wed, 03 Feb 2021 16:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistani-flight-steward-goes-missing-in-canada-100078.html Islamabad Feb 1 A flight steward of the Pakistan International Airlines PIA has reportedly gone missing in Canada it was reported on Monday Citing sources a Dawn news report said the steward was reported missing after PIA flight PK798 landed in Toronto on January 29 The sources said the matter was brought to the notice of PIAs station manager in Canada who later informed the airport authority about the flight attendants absence without intimating his seniors In response the PIA management has launched a departmental inquiry into the incident and has also informed Canadian immigration about the reported disappearance A PIA spokesperson has confirmed that the steward was still missing as of Sunday IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistani-flight-steward-goes-missing-in-canada-100078.html Tue, 02 Feb 2021 04:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-receives-1st-batch-of-chinese-covid-vaccines-100080.html Islamabad Feb 1 Pakistan on Monday received the first batch of Chinas Sinopharm vaccine against the novel coronavirus This batch brought to Islamabad aboard a special Pakistan Air Force PAF aircraft contains 500000 doses of the vaccine Dawn news reported Taking to Twitter Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health SAPM Faisal Sultan said Grateful to China and everyone who made this happen The NCOC and provinces played an instrumental role in tackling Covid I salute our frontline healthcare workers for their efforts and theyll be first to get vaccinated According to a statement by the National Command and Operation Centre NCOC a vaccine handing over ceremony will be held at the Noor Khan Airbase later in the day and will be attended by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong Last week Umar had announced that the vaccination drive will begin in Pakistan this week starting with frontline health workers As of Monday the country has registered a total of 546428 coronavirus cases and 11683 deaths IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-receives-1st-batch-of-chinese-covid-vaccines-100080.html Tue, 02 Feb 2021 04:23:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-anti-terrorism-official-shot-dead-99601.html Islamabad Jan 31 A Pakistani antiterrorism official was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Peshawar city according to security officials The officials said the gunman opened fire on CounterTerrorism Department CTD personnel outside the Central Jail in the city on Saturday killing the CTD inspector on the spot reports Xinhua news agency Another CTD official was injured in the attack and was shifted to a hospital No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack yet IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-anti-terrorism-official-shot-dead-99601.html Mon, 01 Feb 2021 01:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-secures-17mn-doses-of-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-99645.html Islamabad Jan 31 Pakistan has secured 17 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine against the novel coronavirus out of which 3540 per cent or 6 to 68 million doses will be available within the first quarter of the current year the media reported on Sunday The AstraZeneca vaccines are in addition to the 500000 doses of the Sinopharm jab from China that Pakistan has already procured The Express Tribune reported Happy to share that in addition to the 500000 doses of Sinopharm almost 7 million does doses of AstraZeneca to be made available in Q1 and given to the public free of cost Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said in a tweet on Saturday night He added that the countrys vaccination drive will start from next week beginning with frontline healthcare workers Regarding Saturdays development Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar who heads the National Command and Operations Centre NCOC also said in a tweet Good news on Covid vaccine front Received letter from Covax of indicative supply of up to 17 million doses of AstraZeneca in 1st half 2021 About 6 million will be received by March with delivery starting in February We signed with Covax nearly eight months back to ensure availability On January 28 the federal government gave the green light for three Covid19 vaccines Russias SputnikV Chinas Sinopharm and UKs OxfordAstraZeneca for emergency use in the country Pakistan has so far reported 544813 coronavirus cases and 11657 deaths IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-secures-17mn-doses-of-astrazeneca-covid-vaccine-99645.html Mon, 01 Feb 2021 06:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-navy-to-host-multinational-maritime-exercise-99922.html Islamabad Feb 1 More than 40 countries are expected to participate in a multinational maritime exercise to be hosted by the Pakistani Navy an official said here The exercise under the theme of Together for Peace is expected commence from February 10 and the participating countries will bring forth their assets and delegations Xinhua news agency quoted a Navy statement saying on Sunday This year the exercise will focus on enhancing interoperability with regional and extra regional navies to act as a bridge between the regions and display united resolve against terrorism and crimes in the maritime domain the statement said The drill is aimed at providing a common forum for information sharing mutual understanding and identifying areas of common interests for group analysis and dialogues through the international Maritime Conference to be held on the sidelines of the drills it added Organising biennially since 2007 this will be the seventh edition of the maritime exercise IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-navy-to-host-multinational-maritime-exercise-99922.html Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:42:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/karachi-witnesses-sharp-spike-in-covid-19-positivity-rate-99343.html Karachi Jan 30 Karachi has witnessed a sharp spike in the Covid19 positivity rate in the last one week the Sindh provinces Health Ministry said In a statement on Friday the Ministry said that three major vicinities of the metropolitan the positivity rate from the total number of tests conducted surged to 16 per cent 15 per cent and 9 per cent from the previous 2 per cent 4 per cent and 2 per cent respectively Xinhua news agency reported Violation of the standard operating procedures SOPs during social interactions has caused the sharp rise in positivity rate which is feared to further rise if people fail to follow the SOPs the statement said According to the data released by the federal Health Ministry Pakistan has registered a total of 541031 coronavirus cases with Sindh being the worsthit accounting for 244340 infections According to the data the countrys overall death toll stood at 11560 while 496745 people have recovered from the diseaser IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/karachi-witnesses-sharp-spike-in-covid-19-positivity-rate-99343.html Sun, 31 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-get-help-from-china-in-improving-agriculture-sector-imran-99273.html Islamabad Jan 30 Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the country is expected to get help from China in its efforts to improve the agriculture sector under the framework of the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC The Pakistani government is collaborating with China in learning agricultural techniques under CPEC to enhance yield of crops modernisation of irrigation system and value addition Xinhua news agency quoted Khan as saying at an event on Friday The production of crops and dairy products in China is far more than that of Pakistan due to their advanced research and technology the Prime Minister said He added that his government is taking revolutionary steps to uplift agrobased industries of the country to ensure sustainable development and prosperity and China is willing to help Pakistan in this regard Agriculture is the backbone of the Pakistani economy and cooperation with China could turn a new page in agricultural modernization and will be a destiny changer for the people of Pakistan he said On Tuesday China and Pakistan launched an online platform to collect and display information and achievements of agricultural and industrial cooperation between the two countries aiming at enhancing bilateral cooperation under CPEC in the two sectors IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-get-help-from-china-in-improving-agriculture-sector-imran-99273.html Sat, 30 Jan 2021 22:32:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-pilot-spots-an-extraordinary-object-in-the-sky-98715.html Islamabad Jan 28 The Pakistan International Airlines PIA has confirmed that a pilot of a Lahorebound flight spotted an extraordinary object in the sky last week media reports said on Thursday The Dawn newspaper quoted a PIA spokesperson as saying that the pilot spotted the object on January 23 in airspace between Multan and Sahiwal The pilot spotted something over 1000 feet above his aircraft which was at an altitude of 35000 feet and he made a video which was circulating on social media the flag carriers spokesperson was further quoted as saying It is too early to say for sure what he had actually witnessed It cannot necessarily be a flying saucer he said adding that the incident was being looked into as per the standard operating procedures In a separate report Geo News said the object was extremely bright despite the presence of sunlight IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-pilot-spots-an-extraordinary-object-in-the-sky-98715.html Fri, 29 Jan 2021 02:38:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-begin-covid-vaccination-from-next-week-98720.html Islamabad Jan 28 Vaccination against the novel coronavirus in Pakistan is set to begin across the country from next week a Minister has revealed Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening Federal Minister for Planning Development Reforms and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said The system for vaccination is in place Hundreds of vaccination centres in the country will be administering Covid vaccine The vaccination of frontline health workers will start next week The National Command and Operation Center NCOC has made an integrated plan for the vaccination drive Geo News reported Addressing an online event on Wednesday Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Faisal Sultan said that the governmentbacked coronavirus vaccines would be free for all the countrys citizens adding that it is the topmost priority to provide quality healthcare to people The development comes as Pakistan has registered a total of 539387 coronavirus cases and 11514 deaths IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-begin-covid-vaccination-from-next-week-98720.html Fri, 29 Jan 2021 03:25:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/chinas-top-legislator-paks-national-assembly-speaker-hold-talks-98524.html Beijing Jan 28 Chinas top legislator Li Zhanshu held talks with Asad Qaiser Speaker of Pakistans National Assembly via video link Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan Li chairman of the National Peoples Congress NPC Standing Committee on Wednesday said the two sides should take this opportunity to carry out higherlevel broader and deeper cooperation reports Xinhua news agency The countries should strengthen highlevel exchanges promote antiepidemic cooperation and deepen peopletopeople and cultural exchanges Li said The two sides should jointly build the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC and turn the corridor into a demonstration project for highquality development under the Belt and Road Initiative BRI he added Pakistan and China should also deepen multilateral coordination jointly maintain the purposes and principles of the UN Charter safeguard multilateralism and the basic norms of international relations uphold fairness and justice to promote regional peace and prosperity he said Li stressed that the NPC is willing to continue to strengthen friendly exchanges with Pakistans National Assembly to promote the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state as well as bilateral cooperation agreements Thanking the Chinese people for their selfless assistance to Pakistan in fighting the Covid19 epidemic Qaiser said Islamabad stands firmly with Beijing on issues of core interests The National Assembly of Pakistan is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the NPC to provide a sound legal environment for the joint construction of the BRI and the CPEC to actively contribute to the development of bilateral relations and enhance the friendship between the two peoples Qaiser added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/chinas-top-legislator-paks-national-assembly-speaker-hold-talks-98524.html Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:09:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-to-get-5g-by-2022-23-report-97539.html Islamabad Jan 24 The Pakistan government is developing a comprehensive roadmap aimed at making 5G internet services commercially available to consumers in 202223 a media report said on Sunday In an annual report the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority PTA said the roadmap is targeted at auctioning spectrum for 5G services in fiscal year 2023 The Express Tribune newspaper reported Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Aminul Haque said the government has planned to launch 5G technology by December 2022 but experts in different fields are still sceptical believing the country will take a much longer time to roll out the nextgeneration technology GSM Association estimates the economic contribution of the mobile industry in Pakistan will reach 24 billion contributing 66 per cent to total gross domestic product GDP by 2023 In Pakistan 98 per cent of the households own a mobile phone whereas penetration of mobile services reached 811 per cent at the end of October 2020 with 1723 million mobile subscriptions according to The Express Tribune report Broadband subscriptions showed impressive growth trends of 17 per cent during FY20 crossing the 901 million mark in October 2020 whereas 4G subscriptions registered an exponential 60 per cent growth in FY20 Resultantly total broadband penetration in Pakistan reached 424 per cent by the end of October 2020 With the expansion of 3G and 4G services an increase of 77 per cent was seen in data usage for FY20 The Express Tribune report added IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-to-get-5g-by-2022-23-report-97539.html Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-okays-russian-vaccine-for-emergency-use-97549.html Islamabad Jan 24 The Pakistan government has approved Russias Sputnik V Covid19 vaccine for emergency use authorisation EUA and also gave a goahead to a local pharmaceutical company for its import and distribution an informed official has confirmed The Sputnik V has become the third vaccine to be approved for emergency use in the country the first one being the Oxford UniversityAstraZeneca Covid19 vaccine and the second one by Chinese stateowned firm Sinopharm In a meeting conducted by the registration board of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Drap another vaccine has also been given EUA which was developed with the backing of Russian DevelopÂment Investment Fund Dawn news reported on Sunday citing the official as saying Russias stateowned SputnikV has developed a doubledose vaccine which is administered by syringes said the official A local pharmaceutical AGP he said had been authorised as the sole importer and distributor of the Russian vaccine The development comes as Pakistans overall coronavirus caseload has increased to 532412 as of Sunday while the death toll stood at 11295 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-okays-russian-vaccine-for-emergency-use-97549.html Mon, 25 Jan 2021 01:00:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/5-ttp-terrorists-killed-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-pak-army-97775.html Islamabad Jan 25 The Pakistan Army has announced that five terrorists of the outlawed TehrikeTaliban Pakistan TTP militant group were killed during a security operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province In a statement the armys media wing InterServices Public Relations said that the security forces conducted two intelligencebased operations in Mir Ali and Khaisur areas of North Waziristan on Sunday Xinhua news agency reported The statement added that two terrorist commanders were among the killed The Pakistani military has conducted a series of operations against terrorist groups in North Waziristan that borders Afghanistan Although the area has mostly been secured remnants of terrorist groups still manage to launch sporadic attacks on security forces IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/5-ttp-terrorists-killed-in-khyber-pakhtunkhwa-pak-army-97775.html Mon, 25 Jan 2021 19:04:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pia-pays-7mn-after-plane-seizure-in-malaysia-97291.html Islamabad Jan 23 The Pakistan International Airlines PIA confirmed that it has paid around 7 million o a jet company after a plane of the flag carrier was seized by Malaysian authorities over the nonpayment of aircraft lease dues the media reported on Saturday On Friday the PIA informed the London High Court that it paid the amount to Peregrine Aviation Charlie Ltd in the case pertaining to two jets leased to it by the Dublinbased AerCap reports Geo News The court was told that the PIA did not make payments since it asked for the amendment of its claim last July and that it owed 580000 per month to the airliner The litigation was initiated due to nonpayment The leasing company had filed a case against PIA at the London High Court in October 2020 over its failure to pay the leasing fee worth about 14 million which had been pending for six months As soon as the company received the information of the PIA flight 895s scheduled landing in Malaysia it appealed to a local court to seize the aircraft as per the international civil aviation leasing laws sources added The Boeing 777 aircraft was then seized on January 15 after the London High Court issued the order IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pia-pays-7mn-after-plane-seizure-in-malaysia-97291.html Sat, 23 Jan 2021 22:52:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-kicks-off-3g4g-internet-services-in-waziristan-96511.html Waziristan Pakistan Jan 20 Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during a visit to Wana announced that 3G4G internet services will become operational in Waziristan from Wednesday The premier made the remarks while addressing a cheque distribution ceremony for the successful applicants of the Kamyab Jawan Loan Scheme and the Youth Internship Scheme the Dawn reported I know that 3G and 4G is important for education and development this was a huge demand of the youth one that was justified he said as participants of the ceremony cheered The Prime Minister went on to explain that security issues were a major reason in the delay behind providing 3G4G internet services India is trying its best to spread terror in Pakistan We know of their efforts to spread chaos in Balochistan we have all the knowledge Even in Waziristan they are trying to instigate the youth against Pakistan So that is why there was a problem regarding 3G4G services which terrorists could also use But I spoke to my security agencieswe agreed that we need to be cognisant of terrorists using this facility Despite this we also thought that it is the need of our young people and that is why this service will become operational from today The Prime Minister stated that approximately 70 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line in Waziristan That is why we have the Ehsaas programme the aim of which is to uplift those living below the poverty line by giving them cash stipends and scholarships He assured the people of Waziristan that the government was fully committed towards working for their welfare Whoever you voted for it doesnt make a difference to us We will try to uplift this area and provide whatever facilities we can he said adding that the government was working on bringing an olive revolution in the area This is the best area for growing olive trees We have carried out a survey and will start planting trees next month which we will hand over to the people He said that peoples income will increase drastically due to the olive trees resulting in them not having to travel abroad for jobs He began address by giving a message to the people of Waziristan The philosophy of my government is that we focus on uplifting those people and areas that have been left behind No one is here to ask for votes or to make promises that are made during election campaigns He said that by receiving technical education young people can uplift their families and the country So first education and then employment is the biggest challenge He said that the war on terror had caused the most damage in Waziristan The Kamyab Jawan programme under which we distributed cheques today is just the beginning We will try our best to focus our energies here and in Balochistan He added that the government will try to help the youth as much as possible in finding employment opportunities PM Imran said that he was aware of the passion of the people acknowledging that it was a tough task to merge these areas with Pakistan Time will prove that this was an excellent decision for the future of the people of the region He said that the demands of the people mostly concerned the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister and governor That is why I have asked them to be here today For sure most of your demands are valid and legitimate IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-kicks-off-3g4g-internet-services-in-waziristan-96511.html Thu, 21 Jan 2021 06:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/over-40mn-children-receive-anti-polio-doses-in-pakistan-96396.html Islamabad Jan 20 More than 40 million children in Pakistan under the age of five years received vaccination during the latest nationwide antipolio campaign A total of 287000 frontline polio workers were deployed across the country for doortodoor vaccination observing strict standard operating procedures in the wake of Covid19 pandemic the Dawn reported Around 32 million children were given vitamin A supplements during the campaign National Coordinator for the Polio Eradication Initiative and Expanded Programme of Immunisation Dr Rana Mohammad Safdar said in a statement that the fight against poliovirus was rejuvenated through the delivery of successful polio campaigns last year Thanks to our frontline workers for their dedication and commitment to reach every households with lifesaving vaccine during the first nationwide campaign this year Despite harsh weather with the support of the parents partners and security forces the programme has managed to implement the campaign successfully he said IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/over-40mn-children-receive-anti-polio-doses-in-pakistan-96396.html Wed, 20 Jan 2021 20:41:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/no-us-administration-can-ignore-pakistan-fm-qureshi-96445.html Islamabad Jan 20 Ahead of a change in the US administration Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the country cannot be ignored and strongly believes that no administration can ignore the country The Foreign Minister while speaking to Geo TV said that a new world is being established out of which new priorities are coming forward He added that Pakistan and the incoming US administration have a lot of commonalties Challenges will be there Im not saying they wont be there We have to face the facts but I believe Pakistan has a lot to offer said Qureshi adding that Pakistan is an important country of the region Pakistan cannot be ignored and I do think that that no administration will ignore Pakistan said Qureshi To a question about what Pakistan expects Qureshi said the people being nominated by Presidentelect Joe Biden are those who know about Pakistan He also shared that he had the opportunity to work with them when the Democrats were in power last They understand the region very well remarked Qureshi The foreign minister told the hosts that Biden during his time as a senator was a wellrespected member of the foreign relations committee He has a very clear opinion about Pakistan and South Asia said Qureshi He also mentioned that Pakistan and the US have a convergence of interest in Afghanistan There are many areas where the Imran Khan government and Biden government have a common interest said Pakistans top diplomat He shared the examples of climate change and the COVAX initiative The foreign minister when asked about USIndia ties said that the incoming administration will help Pakistan in providing relief to the people in occupied Kashmir There is one silver lining which is that this administration has a clear point of view on human rights said Qureshi while mentioning the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Kashmir The foreign minister said that Pakistan is expecting the incoming administration to help Islamabad in providing relief to the Kashmiris from the military siege in occupied Kashmir IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/no-us-administration-can-ignore-pakistan-fm-qureshi-96445.html Wed, 20 Jan 2021 23:02:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-army-recovers-american-mountaineers-body-near-k2-96124.html Islamabad Jan 19 The Pakistan Army has recovered the body of an American climber near K2 the second highest peak of the world making the second death of a foreign mountaineer in the area in less than a week the media reported on Tuesday A helicopter team spotted Alex GoldfarbRumyantzevs remains during a search and rescue operation that began on Sunday Geo News quoted the Alpine Club of Pakistan as saying He appeared to have fallen off the mountain Hungarian expedition company Magyar Expedicios which was supporting the climbers said in a statement Goldfarb and Hungarian Zoltan Szlanko were planning to climb the 8047 metre high Broad Peak which is yet to be ascended in winter without the use of oxygen or any porters for help according to Magyar Expedicios To acclimate for that climb the pair set out to summit the nearby Pastore Peak 6209 metres high but were met with harsh winter conditions and Szlanko decided to turn back while Goldfarb continued alone On January 16 Spanish climber Sergio Mingote fell to his death in the Karakoram mountains while attempting to make his way down to Base Camp on K2 The K2 is located on the ChinaÂPakistan border between in the GilgitBaltistan region of northern Pakistan and Dafdar Township in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County of Xinjiang China It is the highest point of the Karakoram mountain range and the highest point in both Pakistan and Xinjiang IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-army-recovers-american-mountaineers-body-near-k2-96124.html Tue, 19 Jan 2021 22:10:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-approves-sinopharm-covid-vaccine-for-emergency-use-95926.html Islamabad Jan 19 The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan DRAP has approved a Covid19 vaccine by Chinas Sinopharm for emergency use amid an unabated resurgence in the country A handout by DRAP on its official website late Monday said that Sinopharm one of the two vaccines approved by the authority has been given emergency use authorization after evaluating its safety and quality Xinhua news agency reported The handout added that the authorization will be reviewed every quarter keeping in view further data regarding safety efficacy and quality Meanwhile another vaccine manufactured by BritishSwedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca was been given the authorization earlier the handout said Chaudhry Fawad Hussain the countrys Minister for Science and Technology told Xinhua earlier that the Sinopharm vaccine has been approved for procurement by a cabinet committee for its safety and affordability Pakistan reported 1920 new coronavirus infections and 46 deaths in the last 24 hours bringing the total number of cases to 521211 with 10997 fatalities IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-approves-sinopharm-covid-vaccine-for-emergency-use-95926.html Tue, 19 Jan 2021 12:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/cpec-to-provide-great-benefit-to-afghanistan-central-asian-nations-95275.html Islamabad Jan 16 Pakistani President Arif Alvi said that the ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor CPEC will benefit Afghanistan and Central Asian countries by enhancing connectivity of the region Presiding over a meeting on Friday regarding development activities at the Gwadar port the President said that the landlocked countries can tap on the potential of the deep sea port to connect to the world Xinhua news agency reported Alvi added that the Gwadar port will help make Pakistan the hub of transit trade in the region Talking about benefits of CPEC for the countrys southwest Balochistan province where the Gwadar port is located the President said that CPEC will create ample employment opportunities for the people of Balochistan resulting in their socioeconomic prosperity The meeting was also attended by Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa the chairman of CPEC Authority and Abdul Razak Dawood advisor to the countrys Prime Minister on Commerce and Trade The CPEC is a flagship 62 billion project of Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative that aims to connect Asia Africa and Europe through a vast network of highways rail lines and sea lanes The multibillion dollar corridor connects the Chinese city of Kashgar with Pakistans Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/cpec-to-provide-great-benefit-to-afghanistan-central-asian-nations-95275.html Sat, 16 Jan 2021 23:55:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-hosting-2nd-trilateral-meeting-with-turkey-azerbaijan-94508.html By Hamza Ameer Islamabad Jan 13 Pakistan is hosting the second PakistanTurkeyAzerbaijan trilateral meeting here on Wednesday to discuss global and regional issues The Pakistan Foreign office said the three sides would also explore possibilities of deepening trilateral cooperation in all areas of common interest including peace and security trade and investment science and technology education and cultural cooperation The three sides would also be discussing the existing threat to regional peace and security Pakistan Azerbaijan and Turkey enjoy close fraternal relations based on common faith values culture and history deeply embedded in mutual trust and understanding read the statement issued by the Foreign Office This will be the second round of consultations at the trilateral level as the first meeting was held in Baku in November 2017 The meeting in Islamabad would exchange views on global and regional issues including new and emerging threats to regional peace and security addressing challenges due to the Covid19 pandemic environment and climate change and to achieve economic development targets the statement said Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Byramov will be landing in Islamabad on Wednesday on a twoday visit while the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has already reached Islamabad for a twoday visit As per details the two foreign ministers will be having oneonone meetings with Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi The two foreign ministers will also be meeting President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pakistan-hosting-2nd-trilateral-meeting-with-turkey-azerbaijan-94508.html Thu, 14 Jan 2021 09:40:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-afghan-politician-discuss-peace-process-94168.html Islamabad Jan 12 Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday held talks with leader of Afghanistans HezbeWahdate Islami party Karim Khalili in Islamabad on the wartorn countrys peace process In a statement the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said that Khalili a former Vice President arrived in Pakistan on a threeday visit on Monday reports Xinhua news agency Qureshi described the progress in intraAfghan negotiations currently underway in Qatar to decide a future political roadmap as good omen according to the statement It has been Pakistans long standing stance that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict A comprehensive negotiated political settlement is the only solution acceptable to the Afghan leadership the statement quoted Qureshi as saying He said Pakistan will welcome decisions at the negotiations among Afghans and said intraAfghan dialogue is a unique opportunity for the Kabul leadership to bring peace to the country We believe that peace in Afghanistan is linked to peace and stability in the region he said Qureshi told Khalili that Pakistan is taking measures to promote bilateral trade and has also introduced a liberal visa policy for Afghan nationals Khalili appreciated Pakistans role in the Afghan peace process according to the statement IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-fm-afghan-politician-discuss-peace-process-94168.html Wed, 13 Jan 2021 06:05:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-killed-in-pak-avalanche-94169.html Islamabad Jan 12 Four people were killed when the vehicle they were travelling in was struck by an avalanche in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province local media reported on Tuesday The accident took place in Mansehra district on Monday Xinhua news agency quoted the local media reports as saying The deceased were on their way to a village in the district when their vehicle was buried under the avalanche Rescue teams were only able to recover the bodies late Monday night the reports said The avalanche also disrupted traffic until the traffic police cleared the area Avalanches often take place in Mansehra due to extreme weather conditions in winter In November 2020 over 800 people including tourists in 110 vehicles were stranded when an avalanche blocked the main highway for more than eight hours IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/4-killed-in-pak-avalanche-94169.html Wed, 13 Jan 2021 06:12:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/power-distribution-system-breakdown-plunges-pak-into-darkness-93565.html Islamabad Jan 10 Hundreds of millions of Pakistanis were left without power due to a technical fault in the countrys power distribution system government officials said on Sunday The blackout began at about 1150 pm on Saturday when power failures were reported in all major cities including Islamabad Lahore Peshawar Karachi and Rawalpindi reports Xinhua news agency According to the National Transmission and Despatch Company the system had tripped and it may take a while to restore power The blackout was caused after the frequency in the national power distribution system suddenly fell from 50 to zero Federal Minister for Energy Omar Ayub Khan said in a tweet adding that we are trying to ascertain what caused the drop in frequency He said that attempts are being made to fire up the Tarbela power station which will lead to a sequential restoration of power supply IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/power-distribution-system-breakdown-plunges-pak-into-darkness-93565.html Mon, 11 Jan 2021 09:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-visits-quetta-meets-families-of-slain-coal-miners-93657.html Quetta Jan 10 Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Quetta where he met the families of the 11 coal miners who were killed by armed men in Balochistans Machh area on January 3 the media reported on Sunday In a video released by Khans office on Saturday the Prime Minister can be seen interacting with the families as well as other members of the Hazara minority community Dawn news reported Speaking to the families the premier said that he had visited the community in the past and was well aware of the issues being faced by them I know that people were afraid of going to your imambargahs when the war on terror was at its peak in Pakistan I came to meet you then as well Khan said that when he was first informed of the killings he sent Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid to meet with the bereaved to assure them of backing by the federal government We have a whole programme prepared and a security forces cell is being made which will look at providing you Hazaras with protection and pursuing those responsible for the attack Dawn news quoted the Prime Minister as further saying The premiers visit came hours after the miners were buried at the citys Hazara Town cemetery following the end of a weeklong protest by the Hazara community against the killings On January 11 the 11 coal miners were kidnapped and killed by unidentified armed men in Machh an area under serious security threat According to the police the attackers abducted the miners and took them to the nearby hills where they were fired at and seriously injured The attack has been claimed by the Islamic State terror group IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/imran-visits-quetta-meets-families-of-slain-coal-miners-93657.html Mon, 11 Jan 2021 14:58:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-injured-in-karachi-factory-fire-93362.html Karachi Jan 9 Eight people were injured when a fire erupted at a chemical factory in Pakistans port city of Karachi on Saturday local reports said Several people were still trapped inside the factory building and rescue teams are trying to evacuate them Xinhua news agency quoted the reports as saying Six fire engines were currently at work to douse the massive blaze The water board of Karachi has declared an emergency in the city and more fire engines are being sent to the site to minimise the impact of the blaze which engulfed the entire factory and is feared to spread to nearby buildings The district administration said that it may take more than three hours to douse the fire due to its serious nature The cause of the fire has not been determined yet IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/8-injured-in-karachi-factory-fire-93362.html Sun, 10 Jan 2021 13:19:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/bilawal-re-elected-as-ppp-chairman-93089.html Islamabad Jan 8 Bilawal BhuttoZardari has been reelected unopposed as Chairman of the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party PPP for another four years the media reported on Friday In a statement on Thursday the partys media office said that BhuttoZardaris reelection was confirmed after intraparty elections at the federal level were held in Karachi on Wednesday in accordance with Constitution of the PPP and the countrys Elections Act 2017 Dawn news reported Besides BhuttoZardari Syed Nayyer Hussain Bukhari has been elected unopposed as the PPP Secretary General Faisal Karim Kundi as Secretary Information and Rukhsana Bungash as Secretary Finance Son of late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and former President Asif Ali Zardari Bilawal BhuttoZardari has been the PPP Chairman since he assumed the post in December 2007 He became a member of the countrys National Assembly in August 2018 IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/bilawal-re-elected-as-ppp-chairman-93089.html Sat, 09 Jan 2021 12:24:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-hails-resumption-of-afghan-peace-talks-92730.html Islamabad Jan 7 Pakistan has welcomed the resumption of the second round of the Afghan peace talks in Qatar between representatives of the Kabul government and the Taliban which commenced after a threeweek break In a statement the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said that the two teams have made significant progress by finalising the rules and procedures last month and have now reconvened to negotiate on substantive issues reports Xinhua news agency We are hopeful that the two sides will prioritize working out a roadmap for reduction in violence and ceasefire in the negotiations the statement said The Ministry further said the year 2020 witnessed substantial progress towards peace in Afghanistan with a number of positive developments including conclusion of the USTaliban peace agreement and the start of intraAfghan negotiations We remain hopeful that the year 2021 will witness the dawn of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan it added The statement said Pakistan hopes that the two negotiating teams would continue to engage with openmind and will observe patience prudence and perseverance to seize this historic opportunity for peace We call upon both sides to remain constructively engaged and show flexibility in the negotiations for reaching an inclusive broadbased and comprehensive political settlement which would lead to lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan it added The second round of the talks which began on Wednesday will focus on a ceasefire and reduction in violence in Afghanistan IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-hails-resumption-of-afghan-peace-talks-92730.html Fri, 08 Jan 2021 00:30:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-urges-afghanistan-to-take-action-against-terrorists-92783.html Islamabad Jan 7 Pakistan on Thursday urged neighbouring Afghanistan to take action against terrorists after a soldier was killed in firing from across the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa An Armys statement issued in Islamabad on Wednesday night said that terrorists fired at a Pakistani military post from the Afghan side of the border in the Mohmand tribal district reports Xinhua news agency Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri condemned what he called the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan Pakistan calls upon the Government of Afghanistan to take immediate action against the terrorists and terrorist groups finding sanctuaries in Afghanistan to target Pakistani security forces Chaudhri said in a statement Pakistani security officials said that militants have crossed the border into Afghanistan as a result of major operations in the countrys tribal regions Pakistan and Afghanistan share a nearly 2600km border mostly porous Mohmand bordering Afghanistans Kunar province is one of Pakistans seven tribal districts which was once a Taliban stronghold IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-urges-afghanistan-to-take-action-against-terrorists-92783.html Fri, 08 Jan 2021 06:43:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-soldier-killed-in-firing-from-across-afghan-border-army-92724.html Islamabad Jan 7 The Pakistan Army said on Thursday that a soldier was killed in firing from across the Afghan border In a statement the InterServices Public Relations ISPR said that terrorists fired on a Pakistani military post from the Afghan side of the border in the Mohmand tribal district Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday night Xinhua news agency reported Pakistani troops responded promptly and during exchange of fire but the soldier of the paramilitary Frontier Corps lost his life the ISPR statement said The outlawed TehrikeTaliban Pakistan TTP terror group claimed responsibility for the attack Pakistani security officials said that militants have crossed the border into Afghanistan as a result of major operations in the countrys tribal regions Pakistan and Afghanistan share a nearly 2600km border mostly porous Mohmand bordering Afghanistans Kunar province is one of Pakistans seven tribal districts which was once a Taliban stronghold IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-soldier-killed-in-firing-from-across-afghan-border-army-92724.html Thu, 07 Jan 2021 23:37:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-reopen-educational-institutions-in-phased-manner-92013.html Islamabad Jan 4 The Pakistan government on Monday announced its decision to reopen educational institutions across the country in a phased manner from January 18 Addressing a media briefing here Federal Education Minister Shafqat Mahmood said that in the first phase classes nine to 12 will resume from January 18 reports Dawn news He said that in the second phase classes one to eight will resume on January 25 Meanwhile all higher educational institutions would resume from February 1 he added Following the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic in Pakistan in March 2020 all educational institutions remained closed until September 15 But due to a resurgence the educational institutions across the country were closed again on November 26 2020 after remaining open for about twoandahalfmonths IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/pak-to-reopen-educational-institutions-in-phased-manner-92013.html Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:17:00 +0530 https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/protests-in-quetta-against-killing-of-coal-mine-workers-91919.html Quetta People from the Shiite Hazara community gather around caskets of coal mine workers who were killed by unknown gunmen near the Machh coal field during a sitin protest in Quetta Pakistan Monday Jan 4 2021 Gunmen opened fire on a group of minority Shiite Hazara coal miners after abducting them killing 11 in southwestern Baluchistan province early Sunday a Pakistani official said PTI Quetta Jan 4 Protests were staged in Quetta against the killing of 11 coal miners in Pakistans Balochistan province the media reported on Monday On Sunday at least 11 coal miners were kidnapped and killed by unidentified armed men in Machh an area under serious security threat According to the police the attackers abducted the miners and took them to the nearby hills where they were fired at and seriously injured The Majlis WahdateMuslimeen MWM political organisation had staged a sitin at Quettas Western Bypass demanding the provincial government to either arrest the perpetrators or resign Geo News reported MWM leader Syed Muhammad Agha Raza said Prime Minister Imran Khan should come to Quetta to meet the victims families and assure them justice Members of the Hazara minority community also staged a separate protest taking to the Western Bypass Following the carnage Balochistan government spokesperson Liaquat Shahwani told Geo News that the incident was an act of terrorism Prime Minister Khan condemned the cowardly inhumane act of terrorism saying he had advised the Frontier Corps FC personnel to use all resources to apprehend these killers bring them to justice Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal condemned the incident and sought a detailed inquiry report from the concerned authorities on priority IANS https://dailyworld.in/eye-on-pakistan/protests-in-quetta-against-killing-of-coal-mine-workers-91919.html Mon, 04 Jan 2021 17:28:00 +0530