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National

- Rising rape cases in Kashmir a black blot on face of India: Mushaal Mullick
  November 25, 2020ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, November 25, 2020 (WNP/DL): The Wife of detained Hurriyat leader Yasin Malik, Mushaal Hussein Mullick lamented that no end to the agonies and harassments of Kashmiri women in the occupied valley are in sight. Mushaal Mullick who is also the Chairperson of Peace and Culture Organization said this in a statement on International Day for the elimination of violence against Women observed on Wednesday. She said over 2,300 women have been martyred, 11,224 molested in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) since 1989. She said that Indian state terrorism has rendered 22,922 women widowed in the IIOJK during the last 30 years. She went on to say that Kashmiri women are facing sexual harassment besides mental and physical torture at the hands of Indian troops in the scenic valley. Mushaal further said Kashmiri women are being mentally tortured through frequent raids and enforced disappearances of their loved ones in IIOJK. She added that Indian employing rape as a military tactic to punish and humiliate Kashmiris so as they could be deterred to stop the freedom fight. Mushaal said rape cases in the valley are a black blot on the face of so-called democratic India, adding that Kashmir women and children are the biggest victims of India’s inhuman military siege. “Indian troops are routinely subjecting Kashmiri women to sexual harassment to suppress freedom struggle,” she added. Mushaal further said India was using molestation of women as a weapon of war in the occupied valley; however she vowed that the brutal and fascist forces couldn’t dampen the courage of the Kashmiri freedom fighters. She noted that killings, beatings, humiliations and forced disappearances have become a norm in IIOJK but the world community is looking at the situation as a silent spectator. Mushaal demanded that world human right organizations should take notice of Indian.... Read more...

International

- Israel-UAE deal could open up US weapons sales to Gulf kingdom, experts say
  August 15, 2020JERUSALEM, Saturday, August 15, 2020 (Reuters/WNP/DL): Normalised diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates could pave the way for more US weapons sales to the Gulf Arab country, according to experts. Israel and the UAE announced on Thursday that they will normalise diplomatic ties and forge a broad new relationship under an accord that US President Donald Trump helped broker. The agreement makes the UAE only the third Arab state after Egypt and Jordan to make such a deal with Israel, which has enjoyed special access to US weapons sales. In a National Public Radio interview on Friday, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said that “the more the Emirates become a friend of Israel, become a partner of Israel, become a regional ally of the United States, I think obviously that alters the threat assessment and could work out to the Emirates’ benefit” on future weapons sales. The United States guarantees that Israel receives more advanced American weapons than Arab states get, giving it what is labeled a “Qualitative Military Edge” over its neighbours. One example is the F-35 jet made by Lockheed Martin Co that Israel has used in combat, but the UAE is currently unable to purchase. David Makovsky, director of the Project on Arab-Israel Relations at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy think tank, told Reuters the deal is “a win for the Emirates, which will undoubtedly be eligible for military sales that it could not obtain due to ‘qualitative military edge’ restrictions due to fear certain technologies could be used against Israel.” In May, the US State Department approved a possible sale of up to 4,569 used Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles to the UAE for $556 million. US lawmakers have tried to rein in Trump administration plans for arms sales, particularly to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to pressure them to improve their human rights record and do more to avoid civilian casualties in an air campaign against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the war in Yemen. A US government watchdog report released on Tuesday said the State Department did not fully evaluate the risk of civilian casualties in Yemen when it pushed through a huge 2019 sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.... Read more...

Business

- Pakistan, Afghanistan for trade ties promotion under US initiative
  July 9, 2020ISLAMABAD, Thursday, July 09, 2020 (WNP/DL): The private sector representatives from Pakistan and Afghanistan met on Wednesday, July 8, to boost prosperity and create jobs in both countries. The participants in this United States (US) government-facilitated event addressed a range of trade issues between the two countries that have held back growth of the cross-border economy. The “Pakistan-Afghanistan Bilateral Trade – Private Sector Perspectives, Strategy and Recommendations” conference was a first-of-its-kind, cross-border dialogue. At an event organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) the participants met virtually because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Participants included the Pakistan-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chaman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as a number of Afghanistan chambers of commerce and a variety of logistics service providers, transport operators, and traders from both countries. The participants highlighted a desire to forge closer cross-border private sector partnerships and government ties to promote trade between the two countries. Many of the participants expressed concerns over unscheduled closures of border crossing points, slow clearing processes, lack of facilities at the Torkham border, and increasing transport costs. They also supported the creation of a core team of representatives from all participants to plan subsequent coordination efforts with the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan. This inaugural virtual discussion sets the stage for a sustained and continued effort to improve trade relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. For more information on USAID programs in Pakistan, please visit the following web site: www.usaid.gov/pakistan/economic-growth-agriculture.... Read more...

Sports

- Three members of Pakistan tour party to England test positive for Covid-19
  June 22, 2020RAWALPINDI, Monday, June 22, 2020 (The Guardian/WNP/DL): Pakistan’s tour of England appears to be in the balance, with three of their players having tested positive for Covid-19 and a further batch of results set to be published in the next 24 hours. A 28-man squad to cover three Tests in August and the Twenty20 series that follows is due to depart from Lahore on Sunday and all players and members of the support staff were tested regionally over the weekend. The results from Rawalpindi, where five individuals were tested, came in early and showed Haider Ali, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan have the virus but are asymptomatic. Imad Wasim and Usman Shinwari were shown to be clear. The trio have been told to self‑isolate at home and could join the tour at a later date – they are considered more likely to be in the team’s white-ball plans – while Imad and Shinwari will travel to Lahore in advance of the squad’s final departure. The Pakistan Cricket Board has confirmed these are the only batch of results currently known, with those from the players and coaches who used the testing centres in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar not due to be published until Tuesday. Haris Sohail and Mohammad Amir have declined to tour. It leaves the England and Wales Cricket Board waiting on further positives results that could derail the tour, wipe out their second helping of men’s international cricket this summer and cost an estimated £80m in broadcast revenue. In the build-up to the first Test series against West Indies, Phil Simmons, the tourists’ head coach, revealed he was subject to racist abuse while playing league cricket in the North East 30 years ago and said his players will show solidarity with Black Lives Matters during the upcoming series. With the resumption of sport around the world there have been a number of gestures of support for the movement, with England and West Indies discussing how best to denote their own at the first Test in Southampton on 8 July. Simmons expects a plan to be agreed this week and when asked about encounters with racism in his own career – he won 169 international caps and enjoyed spells with Durham and Leicestershire – the former opener pointed to his time as a league player during the late 1980s and early 90s. “I encountered quite a bit up in the leagues. In county cricket I haven’t really encountered that much,” he said as his side prepared for the first inter-squad three-day warm-up match at Old Trafford that starts Tuesday. “It’s not a nice thing to face. Especially in the leagues where you’re by yourself sometimes. It affected my wife when I was up there. I played in three or four different leagues. It was one particular league up in the North East.” Simmons declined to elaborate on the details, which likely relate to his time in the North Yorkshire and South Durham league, and any gesture planned by the two squads next month will sit in conjunction with one to recognise those on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic. The ECB, still without a title sponsor for Test cricket after Specsavers opted not to renew its deal, has announced the three-match battle for the Wisden Trophy will be called the #RaiseTheBat series, with England sporting the names of cricket-related key workers on their training shirts. England’s players enter their biosecure bubble at the Ageas Bowl Tuesday and will be tested for Covid-19 before spending the first 24 hours predominantly in their rooms while waiting for the results. The 30-man training squad will then be split into two groups, with morning and afternoon sessions starting from Thursday. As regards the series, Simmons is tipping a battle of the all-rounders between Jason Holder and Ben Stokes. In a recent interview Holder, 28, expressed a degree of frustration that players from England, Australia and India have their on-field feats more widely lauded. It is perhaps summed up by the West Indies captain, whose double century in Barbados during the 2-1 series win against England last year propelled him to No 1 in the all-rounder stakes without the fanfare that Stokes, in second, often gets. “That rivalry is going to be huge for the series,” said Simmons. “Ben is the type of person who wants to be No 1 and he’s always going to be doing his best to get Jason’s position. Jason wants to keep it. They’re competitive in all aspects. “Jason’s bowling is a stronger point than his batting, and vice-versa with Stokesy. It’s a case of making sure we get Stokes early and nullify that threat later in the innings.”... Read more...

Domestic

- PIA likely to resume flights to Europe in two months
  August 14, 2020TAXILA, Friday, August 14, 2020 (WNP/DL): European skies are expected to open for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in the next two months as the government is utilising all technical and diplomatic means to resolve the ban issue, Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said on Friday. “PIA is in contact with European Union Air Safety Agency (EASA) to allay their concerns and take necessary corrective measures along with filing an appeal against the decision on Aug 31,” he said, adding there is room for the appeal against the EASA ban and the government will file it. The EUSA suspended PIA’s authorisation to operate in EU states after the grounding of 262 Pakistani pilots whose licences were termed “dubious”. Following the EASA’s move, the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority also withdrew PIA’s permit to operate from three of its airports in Birmingham, London and Manchester. Responding to a question, the minister said PIA was currently managing European flight operations through “court sharing” arrangements, under which PIA flies passengers to Istanbul and subsequently they travel to Europe and London. Flight operations to London are being carried out through a Portuguese airliner. However, he said, these were temporary arrangements and PIA would restore its flight operations in two months. When asked about the necessity of grounding PIA pilots, he said, steps being taken by the government were aimed at ensuring the highest level of flight safety in PIA operations. The national carrier remains committed to maintaining the highest standards and quality in its air operations, he added. Earlier, the minister inaugurated the city’s first D-class bus terminal in Taxila.... Read more...

Culture

- Tariq Aziz, Pakistan’s first television host, passes away
  June 17, 2020LAHORE, Wednesday, June 17, 2020 (WNP/DL): Renowned radio and television anchor Tariq Aziz passed away in Lahore on Wednesday. He was 84. Aziz was born in Jalandhar on April 28, 1936. After partition, his family migrated to Pakistan and settled in Sahiwal, where he received his primary education. He started his career with Radio Pakistan in the 1960s and later went on to become Pakistan’s first television host. His programme Neelam Ghar — later named Tariq Aziz Show — started in 1974 on Pakistan Television and continued for four decades. He was also a poet and an actor and performed in several radio and television programmes as well as in films. His first film, Insaniyat, was released in 1967. Other notable titles he acted in include Salgirah, Qasam Us Waqt Ki, Katari and Har Gaya Insan. For his services to the entertainment industry, he was awarded the prestigious Pride of Performance Award by the government in 1992. Aziz dabbled in politics as well and was a member of the National Assembly from 1997-99. President Arif Alvi prayed for the anchor’s soul to rest in peace. “A chapter closes with the sad demise of Tariq Aziz,” he tweeted. A chapter closes with the sad demise of Tariq Aziz. May his soul rest in peace. I will fondly remember his opening greetings in Neelam Ghar. دیکھتی آنکھوں اور سنتے کانوں کو طارق عزیز کا سلام إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ — Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) June 17, 2020 Prime Minister Imran Khan said he was saddened to hear about Aziz’s death, who he said was an “icon in his time and a pioneer of our TV game shows”. Saddened to learn of the passing of Tariq Aziz, an icon in his time and a pioneer of our TV game shows. My condolences and prayers go to his family. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 17, 2020... Read more...

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Bar & Bench

- SC for action against sugar mill owners
  July 14, 2020ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, July 14, 2020 (WNP): The Supreme Court on Tuesday, setting aside a stay order by the Sindh High Court, allowed the government to take action against sugar mill owners in light of recommendations of the sugar inquiry commission. A three-member bench, comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, heard the case. In its short order, the top court told federal authorities to “operate in accordance with the law”. The court also cautioned the government against taking “unnecessary steps” against sugar mill owners. Additionally, government officials were restrained from commenting on the sugar commission report. The Supreme Court directed the high courts of Sindh and Islamabad — where cases pertaining to the matter were being heard — to issue a decision within three weeks. The IHC has issued a verbal order in the case but a detailed order is yet to be issued. During the proceedings, the attorney general argued that SHC’s order was “against the law”. He told the apex court that the government was also constituting a commission on the fuel shortage face by the nation recently but wanted the “stay order problem to be resolved first”. A detailed judgement is expected to be released later.... Read more...

Editorial & Opinion

- Total disconnect between centre, provinces is hallmark of PTI govt amid COVID-19
  June 3, 2020By Senator Lt Gen (R) Abdul Qayyum ISLAMABAD, Wednesday, June 03, 2020 (WNP/DL): Coronavirus is an invisible enemy armed with lethal killing sting against which the entire humankind has presently no defence and unfortunately no firm hope to find its counter in the immediate future. We are not sure for how long the world will remain in its grip and whether it will reappear with more vigour in subsequent waves. Some fear that its constantly mutilating character may render present research endeavours by the scientists fruitless. In these circumstances, health experts have been recommending isolation and social distancing so that we don’t enter its beaten zone by mixing with its mobile carriers. The virus has simultaneously assumed alarming proportions by engulfing all continents including over 200 countries. Countries like Iran, Cuba and Venezuela, which are under harsh US sanctions, are doubly affected. The conditions of people in conflict zones like Kashmir, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen are also miserable. It is a ruthless virus which makes no distinction based on age, gender or geography. It is constantly mutating and is therefore very versatile. Chronic patients, elders, young people and even children have suffered and are suffering. As per recent John Hopkins University research, about 1.2 million children may die because of COVID-19 with its epicentre in the underdeveloped world. It is estimated that roughly 6,000 children may die per day in the Sub-Saharan desert area. It may be recalled that in mid-14th century when the world’s population was only 500 million, 200 million people died due to the Black Death pandemic. Similarly, in 1918, when the Spanish flu started from US/Europe, the Indian Subcontinent became its epicentre, where 20 million people fell prey to the virus in a few months because of slums, poor health conditions and underdeveloped healthcare facilities. Dr Nabarro, the WHO special envoy for coronavirus, says it is quite possible that humanity may have to live with coronavirus forever. Containment of the spread of the virus by social distancing is therefore the recommended world strategy till its vaccine is developed. This warrants total change in our lifestyle and social behaviour. America’s top disease expert chief Dr Anthony Fauci is, however, hopeful to find its vaccine in the next 12 to 18 months. Economic pressures have already forced almost all governments the world over to relax the lockdown. However, countries like Pakistan — where the ascending curve of COVID-19 is constantly creating alarm and the public unfortunately is totally non-compliant — are in a fix. It is likely such countries will face a colossal loss of human lives because governments are being forced to depend on herd immunity. Pakistan’s federal government was unfortunately paralysed from day one. Confused leadership, wavering stance and total disconnect between the Centre and provinces have been its hallmark. Whereas while keeping in mind the most dangerous and worst hypothesis, which is based on the prolonged disease with no vaccine availability in the foreseeable future, the government must strictly follow the globally recognised strategy of awareness, testing, tracing, quarantine, treatment and simultaneous economic management. I feel that while making full endeavours to arrest the ever-increasing disease trend, we must constantly upgrade our health facilities and be ready for the worst. All governments are facing difficulties but Pakistan faces unique challenges of weak governance, divided polity, invisible self-righteous central leadership, extremely neglected health facilities and last but not the least, a totally shattered economy with an expected -1.5% growth for the first time in our over 70 years history. The strategy should not be based on either economy or human lives. We have no choice. There is no question of either or or. It has to be both. While simultaneous efforts to boost the economy must continue with vigour, we must not totally break the complete lockdown allowing maximum deaths in an effort to achieve herd immunity. Some specific recommendations are below: We need to follow the internationally recognised strategies which include effective awareness campaign, testing, tracing, quarantine and treatment. There is a need to procure large-scale testing kits and undertake massive testing on subsidised rates. District health facilities, both public and private, must be mobilised to trace affected areas and individuals who remain in contact with infected persons and ensure their quarantine. DCs and DPOs must make the best use of elected and non-elected political leaders and workers for the awareness campaign and to reach out to people at the grassroots level suffering from food insecurity. For economic revival, we must enhance agricultural growth of our cash crops by encouraging and financially assisting the farmers. We need to enhance large-scale manufacturing and provide maximum assistance to export earning industries. Interest rate can be further reduced and price of patrol and diesel cut down further. This will not only reduce electricity bills but also help farmers to run tube wells on reduced cost. Fifty-eight per cent people work in the service sector, 28% in the agriculture field and 20% in industries. Different SOPs can be evolved for their social distancing. Presently there is neither a clear policy nor desired competence and political will to implement government orders. Crowds in funerals, parties, religious processions and shopping centres speak volumes about the government’s helplessness.... Read more...

Crime

- Japanese ambassador strongly condemns PSX attack
  June 29, 2020By Shabbir Hussain ISLAMABAD, Monday, June 29, 2020 (WNP/DL): Ambassador of Japan MATSUDA Kuninori Monday strongly condemned the terrorists’ attack on Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) compound in Karachi. He while grieving over the loss of innocent human lives in the tragic incident also expressed his profound condolences and sympathies with the families of the victims and prayed for the early recovery of those sustained injuries. “My thoughts and prayers for the families of the victims of this gruesome incident. Terrorism is condemnable in all its forms and manifestations”, the he added. He termed the attack on PSX, the center of economic activity in Pakistan, a very unfortunate incident. The ambassador further said the government of Japan was committed to continuing its support to the Government of Pakistan and its security forces to combat terrorism.... Read more...

Health

- Sindh govt handed over 50,000 PPE kits, 40,000 surgical masks
  August 26, 2020

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