US court rejects Trump's Pennsylvania election case

A federal appeals court on Friday rejected an attempt by U.S. President Donald Trump’s campaign to block President-elect Joe Biden from being declared the winner of Pennsylvania, dealing another significant setback to Trump’s bid to overturn the Nov. 3 election.

“Free, fair elections are the lifeblood of our democracy. Charges of unfairness are serious. But calling an election unfair does not make it so,” wrote Stephanos Bibas on behalf of a three-judge panel.

“Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here,” wrote Bibas, who was nominated by Trump.

The Trump campaign and its supporters have tried and failed to convince judges of election irregularities in Michigan, Georgia, Arizona and Nevada, all critical to Biden’s victory.

“Voters, not lawyers, choose the President. Ballots, not briefs, decide elections,” said the appeals court opinion.

“On to SCOTUS!” wrote Jenna Ellis, a Trump campaign attorney, on Twitter after the ruling, referring to a planned appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. “The activist judicial machinery in Pennsylvania continues to cover up the allegations of massive fraud.”

Pennsylvania certified Biden, who won the state by 80,000 votes, as its winner this week. Under Pennsylvania law, the candidate who wins the popular vote in the state gets all of the state’s 20 electoral votes.

Trump, a Republican, has refused to concede to his Democratic rival and continues to claim, without evidence, widespread voter fraud.

But as his legal challenges to the results fail, Trump said on Thursday he will leave the White House if the Electoral College votes for Biden when it meets on Dec. 14, the closest he has come to conceding the election.

On Monday, Trump’s administration cleared the way Biden to transition to the White House, giving him access to briefings and funding even as Trump vowed to continue fighting the election results.

Biden won the election 306-232 in electoral votes, including Pennsylvania’s 20. Even if Trump overturned the outcome in Pennsylvania, he would still need to reverse the result in at least two other states to remain as president.

TIME RUNNING OUT
While Trump and his supporters continue to wage legal battles, time is running out as states as states have until Dec. 8 to resolve election disputes.

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after he participated in a Thanksgiving video teleconference with members of the military forces at the White House in Washington, U.S., November 26, 2020. Erin Scott
Legal experts have said the cases have no chance of success and may be aimed at undermining confidence in the election. Polls have showed a majority of Republicans believe Trump won the election and many believe the election was tainted, despite a lack of evidence.

Soon after Friday’s ruling, Trump posted a video from Newsmax on Twitter about alleged voter fraud in Nevada.

The Trump campaign filed the Pennsylvania case earlier this month, saying that county election officials had treated mail-in ballots inconsistently and asking U.S. District Judge Matthew Brann to halt certification of the results.

Some counties had allowed voters to fix minor deficiencies with their ballots, such as a missing “secrecy envelope,” while others did not.

Brann dismissed the case on Nov. 21, saying the case was based on “strained legal arguments” and “speculative accusations.”

The Trump campaign said it appealed on the “narrow” question of whether Brann improperly refused to let it amend the lawsuit a second time.

The campaign wants to add back allegations it dropped from the case, including a claim that its due process rights were violated.

The appeals court said many of the claims by Trump campaign are matters of Pennsylvania law but noted the campaign already lost on those issues in state court.

“It never alleges that anyone treated the Trump campaign or Trump votes worse than it treated the Biden campaign or Biden votes,” said the opinion. “The campaign’s claims have no merit.”

The other judges on the panel, Brooks Smith and Michael Chagares, were nominated by George W. Bush, a Republican.

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Weekly inflation decreases of 0.92% due to a decline in food prices

Weekly inflation for the combined group during the period ended on November 26 recorded a decrease of 0.92 per cent due to a decline in prices of essential food items, according to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The Sensitive Price Index (SPI) is calculated on the basis of the prices of 51 essential items collected from 50 markets in 17 cities of the country.

A report compiled by the PBS said the decrease was witnessed mainly due to a drop in prices of food items, including tomatoes, 10.26%; onions, 8.48%; chicken, 8.28%; sugar, 4.78%; mash pulse, 0.73%; moong pulse, 0.49%; masoor pulse, 0.25%; wheat flour bag, 0.20% and potatoes, 0.71%.

On the other hand, an increase was observed in the prices of food items i.e. bananas, up 1.76% and eggs, 1.08% and among non-food items firewood, up 1.04%. During the week, out of 51 items, prices of 11 (21.56%) items increased, 10 (19.62%) items decreased and 30 (58.82%) items remained constant.

The year on year trend depicts an increase of 7.48% with most of the items increased mainly chilies powder (up 86.31%), potatoes (69.19%), eggs (56.99%), chicken (45.14%), sugar (30.92%), match box (24.40%), sufi washing soap (20.79%), pulse moong (18.71%), pulse mash (18.25%), gur (18.18%), long cloth (16.57%), pulse masoor (16.25%), vegetable ghee 1kg (15.99%), bread (15.95%), mustard oil (15.89%) and shirting (15.72%). While a major decrease was observed in the price of tomatoes (down 33.23%), diesel (20.25%), garlic (18.15%), onions (15.89%), petrol (11.75%), electricity for Q1 (8.77%) and LPG (2.40%).

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COVID-19: Sindh reports nearly 1,400 cases in a day

As many as 1,389 more people got infected from COVID-19 in the Sindh province during the past 24 hours on Saturday, reported quoting Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

Giving a routine briefing on COVID-19 situation in the province, Murad Ali Shah said that the positive cases were reported after they performed 9,072 tests in the province during the past 24 hours. “We have so far performed 1,961,855 tests in the province so far.”

“A total of 14 patients lost their battle against COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, raising the COVID-19 death toll to 2,911 in the province,” he said.

The chief minister further said that as many as 150,765 people have recovered from the deadly infection in the province so far including 1,650 overnight.

Pakistan’s COVID-19 tally
Pakistan recorded as many as 3,045 fresh Covid-19 infections and 45 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

The total number of infections thus far reported across the country has reached 392,356 with the addition of new cases while the death toll from the highly infectious disease has soared to 7,942.

A total of 48,223 tests were conducted over the previous 24 hours, out of which 3,045 turned out to be positive. The positivity ratio of cases stands at 6.3, the NCOC said.

The number of active coronavirus cases has climbed to 46,861 while 672 people recovered yesterday, pushing the number of those recuperating from the disease to 337,553. At present, 2,172 of the patients under treatment are said to be in critical condition.

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I broke Bano Qudsia's home's tube light: Ex-Captain reveals

Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja, paying tribute to the acclaimed novelist Bano Qudsia on her 92nd birthday, shared an anecdote that most people are not aware of.

The former captain, in a tweet, said: "Today’s Google Doodle honours Bano Qudsia, writer [and] a spiritualist."

"[I] remember as a kid while playing tennis ball cricket at her home I broke her verandas tube light," the cricket commentator said.

However, as Raja readied himself for a scolding, he got nothing but affection from Qudsia as she, with a warm expression, just wanted to know whether he was fine or not.

Google honours legendary writer
Google today honoured the legendary Urdu writer on her 92nd birthday with a special doodle.

 

Today’s Google Doodle honours Bano Qudsia, writer & a spiritualist. Remember as a kid while playing tennis ball cricket at her home I broke her verandas tube light. Readying myself for a dressing down, all I got from her instead was a warm expression to know if I was ok. pic.twitter.com/a2lcinpIIC

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) November 28, 2020

"Today’s Doodle honours the life and legacy of Pakistani novelist and stage and television playwright Bano Qudsia, affectionately known as Bano Aapa (Elder Sister), who is widely credited as one of the most significant Urdu language authors in modern times," said the US-based search engine.

Qudsia was known for writing on love and hope and had written Urdu classics like “Aadhi Baat” (Half Talk, 1968) and the novel “Raja Gidh” (The Vulture King, 1981).

She was born on November 28, 1928, in Firozpur, British India and started writing short stories when she was a child. She earned her Master's degree in Urdu after moving to Lahore post-partition. It was then when she also met her future husband and fellow luminary of Urdu literature Ashfaq Ahmad.

Qudsia was credited for writing thought-provoking television plays that led her to become a cultural trendsetter. She wrote 25 novels and also founded her own magazine called “Dastango”.

"Even as her legend grew throughout her six-decade career, she maintained a reputation for her radical acceptance and kindness, known to embrace those from all walks of life who approached her for mentorship or assistance," said Google.

The Pakistani governments honoured her with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1983 and the Hilal-e-Imtiaz in 2000.

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Hundreds of PDM workers take over venue for Nov 30 Multan

Hundreds of activists of the PPP and PML-N on Saturday overcame containers and obstacles set up by Multan authorities to reach the venue of the opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) November 30 pubic gathering.

Police and the district administration had placed at least 30 containers around the venue, Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh Stadium, and more were being brought in to block roads leading to the city. Police was also deployed outside the stadium as part of efforts to stop the PDM rally.

But on Saturday, hundreds of PPP activists reached the venue in the form of a rally led by former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani's son, Ali Musa Gilani, and broke the stadium's gate to enter and set up a camp there. They are expected to make preparations for the Nov 30 public gathering.

PML-N workers arrived at the stadium as a group led by Abdul Rehman Kanju.

The government and opposition have been at odds over the holding of public rallies at a time when Pakistan is in the throes of a second coronavirus wave. The Multan district administration has refused permission for the Nov 30 rally citing the high incidence of coronavirus infections.

Nonetheless, trucks carrying equipment could be seen arriving at the venue on Saturday and the stage was being prepared.

"The government can do whatever it wants to; the jalsa will end up taking place," Ali Musa Gilani and Haider Gilani told supporters.

"This is the plan A, B and C," added Musa.

PPP activists first gathered at the Gilani House for a workers convention from where they left for the venue in the form of a rally. They faced little resistance in entering the stadium from police personnel, who appeared unprepared for the situation.

Musa declared that the PPP workers will remain at the venue until the Nov 30 public gathering, which will coincide with the PPP's 53rd foundation day.

Meanwhile, Yusuf Raza Gilani also declared that the rally will take place at Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh Stadium "at all costs".

"A minister said a tragedy could take place at the jalsa; the government should tell what has been done in this regard so far. The focus is on arrests instead of ensuring security," the senior PPP leader said.

He claimed that generator suppliers had been asked not to provide generators for the public gathering, and accused the police of forcing arrested PDM workers to take the oath that they will "submit Rs1 million in the Punjab government treasury if they attend the jalsa".

Police sources earlier told that more than 200 workers of PDM constituent parties were arrested and raids were being conducted to arrest more. Lists of workers, particularly from the PPP and PML-N, were provided to respective police stations.

PM says PDM rally won't be allowed
On Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan asked the PDM to call off its scheduled public gatherings in view of the rising number of Covid-19 cases in the country, categorically saying that the government would not give permission to the opposition to hold its rallies in Multan and other cities.

“The coronavirus is spreading dangerously, therefore the opposition should postpone PDM public meetings,” the premier said while talking to his spokespersons at Prime Minister House.

Quoting Prime Minister Imran, a participant of the meeting said: “The government will strictly enforce standard operating procedures and not allow the opposition to hold rallies as the health guidelines do not permit large gatherings.”

Some of the spokespersons suggested that those attending the public meetings be sent behind bars.

Criticising the opposition, the prime minister reiterated that he would not give any National Reconciliation Ordinance-like concession to the opposition leaders "no matter how many rallies they stage".

The PDM has so far held four anti-government public meetings in Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar while two are scheduled for Nov 30 and Dec 13 in Multan and Lahore, respectively.

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Bilawal Bhutto slams PTI govt for sacking Pakistan Steel Mills employees

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto on Saturday lashed out at the “heartless” PTI government for sacking over 4,500 employees of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and vowed to restore them once his party is in power.

The PPP supremo was reacting to the removal of thousands of the PSM workers who were laid off by the government in order to revive the industrial unit.

“The heartless government’s sacked 4500 workers of Pakistan Steel mills. PPP will return each and everyone back to work,” Bilawal Bhutto tweeted.

Terming their sacking an “economic murder”, he said the land of this historical industrial asset belongs to the people of Sindh.

 

The heartless government’s sacked 4500 workers of Pakistan Steel mills. PPP will return each & everyone back to work. The land of this historical industrial asset belongs to the people of Sindh, we will not let the PTI get away with this economic murder. Sack Imran not workers.

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 28, 2020

We will not let the PTI get away with this economic murder,” he said and added: “sack Imran not workers.”

On Friday, the PSM sacked 4,544 of employees, including the divisional and assistant managers.

The management confirmed that officials belonging to category 2,3, and 4 pay groups have been dismissed from their jobs.

The PSM spokesperson had stated that dismissal letters have been sent to sacked employees by post.

However, he clarified that corporate secretaries of departments have been fired neither have the staff working in schools and colleges been let go.

 

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New Zealand authorities ease some restrictions for Pakistan squad

The authorities in New Zealand have started to ease some restrictions on the Pakistan Cricket squad that is currently in a managed isolation facility in Christchurch.

A team source confirmed to Geo News that following a discussion between board officials and two negative tests of 47 members of the squad, some exemptions were granted to the players and officials.

“Those who have returned with two negative COVID19 test results since arrival in New Zealand are now allowed to have a walk in an adjacent ground during the allocated time to their group,” the source said.

It is worth mentioning that Pakistan’s squad was divided into four groups at their arrival in New Zealand and each group was physically disconnected from other groups.

The source added that players are also allowed to go to their balconies and interact with other group members from there maintaining a reasonable distance.

The PCB has also requested the authorities in New Zealand to allow the players to start training at earliest and a decision is likely to be made soon.

Earlier, the New Zealand health officials had imposed strict isolation rules to the visiting team that meant players were restricted to rooms.

There were incidents of some breaches of the rule that led to a final warning being issued to the team. However, since then things have improved and Pakistani squad members have cooperated with authorities in New Zealand.

The easing of restrictions also comes at a time when seven members of the squad have been in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus.

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Pakistan’s active Covid-19 cases climb to 46,861 as 3,045 fresh infections emerge

Pakistan recorded as many as 3,045 fresh Covid-19 infections and 45 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

The total number of infections thus far reported across the country has reached 392,356 with addition of new cases while the death toll from the highly infectious disease has soared to 7,942.
A total of 48,223 tests were conducted over the previous 24 hours, out of which 3,045 turned out to be positive. The positivity ratio of cases stands at 6.3, the NCOC said.

The number of active Covid-19 cases has climbed to 46,861 while 672 people recovered yesterday, pushing the number of those recuperating from the disease to 337,553. At present, 2,172 of the patients under treatment are said to be in critical condition.

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Begum shamim Akhter dead body reaches Lahore

The dead body of Begum Shamim Akhtar, the mother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shahbaz Sharif reached Lahore from London today (Saturday).

Begum Shamim Akhtar’s body reached Lahore via British Airways flight and was received in Lahore by members of the Sharif family and PML-L leaders and workers at the Allama Iqbal International airport.
Kosar, the sister of Nawaz Sharif has also reached Lahore along with the body.

Funeral prayers of Begum Shamim Akhtar will be held at 11:30 AM at the Sharif Medical City and she will be laid to rest at Sharif family’s ancestral graveyard next to the grave of her husband, Mian Sharif.

According to sources, the Qul ceremony of Begum Shamim Akhtar will be held at Jati Umra which will be attended by the Sharif family’s members.

PML-N leaders Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz Sharif were released from Kot Lakhpat prison on Friday on parole to attend the funeral prayers Begum Shamim Akhtar.

Begum Shamim Akhtar passed away in London on November 22 at the age of 89. She had developed a severe chest infection and was suffering from an advanced stage of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Her condition had deteriorated and she could not regain her health due to old age.

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Finch, Smith tons, Hazlewood strikes as Aussies crush India in ODI

Skipper Aaron Finch and Steve Smith blazed centuries and Josh Hazlewood ripped apart the Indian top order as Australia won by 66 runs in the first one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

The Indians, coming out of coronavirus quarantine, looked rusty in their first taste of international cricket since February, as the Australians went on a run rampage to reach 374 for six after winning the toss.

Hazlewood then put the skids under the tourists, triggering a top-order wobble. Among his victims was the coveted wicket of skipper Virat Kohli, as India amassed 308 for eight in reply.

Australia enjoyed perfect batting conditions. Finch belted 114 and shared an opening stand of 156 with David Warner, who made 69 off 75 balls.

Smith had some early luck early before taking charge and hitting 105 off 66 balls with four sixes. He was saved by DRS after a confident appeal for leg before wicket on 15.

Then Shikhar Dhawan badly missed Smith's miscue on 38 at long on.

“I've been searching for something for a couple of months now, but a couple of days ago I started to hit the ball where I wanted it, and everything came back, the rhythm came back,” man-of-the-match Smith said.

“Finchy and Davey set an excellent platform, we could come and just take off.”

After Finch raised his 17th ODI century he was out for 114 off 124 balls trying to steer a Jasprit Bumrah lifter behind the wicket in the 40th over.

Glenn Maxwell hit a rumbustious 45 off 19 balls as Australia built a massive total to defend under the evening lights.

India made a fast start, the openers flaying the Aussie attack for 53 before Mayank Agarwal fell to Hazlewood for 22.

Kohli was dropped on one by Adam Zampa at fine leg after top-edging a Pat Cummins lifter.

The reprieve did not last long when the India skipper was cramped by Hazlewood and found Finch at mid-wicket, his night over at 21.

“We got enough time to prepare, I don't think there's any excuses on the field when you don't pull up as a side,” Kohli said.

“It's probably the first long game we've played in a while. The body language after 25-26 overs was disappointing.

“A quality side will hurt you [if you have fielding lapses]. We'll have to find out ways of getting a few overs from a few part-time [bowlers] in the side.”

Barefoot circle

Hazlewood picked up Shreyas Iyer, who failed to get his bat away from a bouncer and skying to Alex Carey for two, leaving the tourists at 80 for three.

Shikhar Dhawan and Hardik Pandya gave India an outside chance of pulling off victory in a 128-run partnership before Dhawan was caught by Mitchell Starc off Zampa for 74.

India's remaining hope went with Pandya who took on Zampa but failed to clear the rope and was caught by Starc for 90 off 76 balls. Zampa finished with four for 54 off his 10 overs.

India had not played international cricket since a tour of New Zealand earlier in the year and it showed with their outfielding ragged at times.

In contrast, Australia came into the match on the back of beating 50-over world champions England in September.

Even getting to the opening toss was an uphill battle for India, with wrangling over quarantine requirements and a recent outbreak of coronavirus in Melbourne complicating matters.

But Cricket Australia was desperate for the blockbuster tour, which also includes four Tests, to go ahead, with the funds generated crucial after the sport was hit hard by the Covid-19 shutdown.

Before play, both teams formed a ceremonial, barefoot circle to acknowledge the traditional indigenous owners of the SCG land.

Both teams also observed a minute's silence for the passing of Australia batting great Dean Jones, who died of a heart attack in India last September.

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Trump says he'll leave if Electoral College seats Biden

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he will leave the White House if the Electoral College formalises President-Elect Joe Biden's victory even as he insisted such a decision would be a mistake as he spent his Thanksgiving renewing baseless claims that massive fraud and crooked officials in battleground states caused his election defeat.

"Certainly I will. But you know that,” Trump said on Thursday when asked whether he would vacate the building, allowing a peaceful transition of power in January.

But Trump — taking questions for the first time since Election Day — insisted that "a lot of things” would happen between now and then that might alter the results.

"This has a long way to go," Trump said, even though he lost.

The fact that a sitting American president even had to address whether or not he would leave office after losing re-election underscores the extent to which Trump has smashed one convention after another over the last three weeks.

While there is no evidence of the kind of widespread fraud Trump has been alleging, he and his legal team have nonetheless been working to cast doubt on the integrity of the election and trying to overturn voters will in an unprecedented breach of democratic norms.

Trump spoke to reporters in the White House's ornate Diplomatic Reception Room after holding a teleconference with US military leaders stationed across the globe.

He thanked them for their service and jokingly warned them not to eat too much turkey, then turned to the election after ending the call. He repeated grievances and angrily denounced officials in Georgia and Pennsylvania, two key swing states that helped give Biden the win.

Trump claimed, despite the results, that this may not be his last Thanksgiving at the White House. And he insisted there had been "massive fraud,” even though state officials and international observers have said no evidence of that exists and Trump's campaign has repeatedly failed in court.

Trump's administration has already given the green light for a formal transition to get under way. But Trump took issue with Biden moving forward.

"I think its not right that he's trying to pick a cabinet," Trump said, even though officials from both teams are already working together to get Biden's team up to speed.

And as he refused to concede, Trump announced that he will be traveling to Georgia to rally supporters ahead of two Senate run-off elections that will determine which party controls the Senate.

Trump said the rally for Republican Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler would likely be held Saturday. The White House later clarified he had meant December 5.

One of the reasons Republicans have stood by Trump and his baseless claims of fraud has been to keep his loyal base energised ahead of those run-offs on January 5.

But Trump, in his remarks, openly questioned whether that election would be fair in a move that could dampen Republican turnout.

“I think you're dealing with a very fraudulent system. I'm very worried about that,” he said. "People are very disappointed that we were robbed."

As for the Electoral College, Trump made clear that he will likely never formally concede, even if he said he would leave the White House.

"It's gonna be a very hard thing to concede. Because we know there was massive fraud," he said, noting that, "time isn't on our side".

"If they do," vote against him, Trump added, "they've made a mistake".

Asked whether he would attend Biden's inauguration, Trump said he knew the answer but didn't want to share it yet.

But there were some signs that Trump was coming to terms with his loss.

At one point he urged reporters not to allow Biden the credit for pending coronavirus vaccines.

"Don't let him take credit for the vaccines because the vaccines were me and I pushed people harder than they've ever been pushed before,” he said.

As for whether or not he plans to formally declare his candidacy to run again in 2024 — as he has discussed with aides — Trump said he didn't "want to talk about 2024 yet”.

All states must certify their results before the Electoral College meets on December 14, and any challenge to the results must be resolved by December 8.

States have already begun that process, including Michigan, where Trump and his allies tried and failed to delay the process, and Georgia and Pennsylvania.

Vote certification at the local and state level is typically a ministerial task that gets little notice, but that changed this year with Trump's refusal to concede and his unprecedented attempts to overturn the results of the election through a fusillade of legal challenges and attempts to manipulate the certification process in battleground states he lost.

Biden won by wide margins in both the Electoral College and popular vote, where he received nearly 80 million votes, a record.

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Prominent Iranian physicist assassinated near Tehran: Defense Ministry

Prominent Iranian physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has been assassinated in a terrorist attack near the capital Tehran.

The Fars news agency reported that he had been targeted on Friday in a multi-pronged attack involving at least one explosion and small fire by a number of assailants in Absard city of Damavand County, Tehran Province.

The media office of Iran’s Defense Ministry said Fakhrizadeh, who headed the ministry's Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research (SPND), “was severely wounded in the course of clashes between his security team and terrorists and was transferred to hospital,” where he succumbed to his wounds.

In a statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry Mohammad Javad Zarif roundly condemned the terror attack, saying there were “serious indications” of the Israeli regime’s role in the assassination of Fakhrizadeh, a professor of physics at Imam Hussein University of Tehran.

“Terrorists murdered an eminent Iranian scientist today. This cowardice—with serious indications of Israeli role—shows desperate warmongering of perpetrators,” he said in a tweet.

The top Iranian diplomat called on the international community, especially the European Union, to “end their shameful double standards & condemn this act of state terror.”

Brigadier General Hossein Dehqan, military advisor to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, also reacted to Fakhrizadeh’s martyrdom in a tweet, vowing a crushing response to the perpetrator.

“We will come down hard on those who killed Martry Mohsen Fakhrizadeh like thunder and make them regret their deed,” he said.

“In the final days of their allied gambler’s political life, the Zionists are after intensifying pressure on Iran in order to trigger an all-out war,” said Dehqan in a reference to outgoing US President Donald Trump’s final days in office.

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Aseefa to share stage with PDM leaders at Multan rally

PPP stalwart and former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani said on Friday former president Asif Ali Zardari’s daughter Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari will address the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) Multan rally slated for November 30.

Speaking to the media, he said PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari won’t be able to attend the public meeting to be held in Multan to mark the party’s foundation day after being diagnosed with the coronavirus.

“The Multan rally will be held come what may,” he declared, alleging the government is creating a law and order situation by trying to stop the party from holding a massive power show in the city.

It is worthwhile to mention here that the Multan district authorities have denied permission to the Pakistan People’s Party for a public meeting in Multan on November 30. The Deputy Commissioner Multan refused permission on a request submitted by PPP leader Natasha Daultana citing ‘current situation’ of the spike in COVID-19 cases.

“The health department has imposed a ban on large gatherings of more than 300 people,” the district official said in his response to the PPP request. “The permission for the public meeting will be a violation of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to tackle the coronavirus pandemic,” the DC responded to the request.

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Pakistan Ordnance Factories serving as backbone in defence of Pakistan: COAS Bajwa

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday visited Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF) Wah.

Appreciating the management and staff of POF for their dedication to optimise the output, COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa termed POF a force behind the armed forces serving as the backbone in defence of Pakistan, said the military’ media wing.

The COAS said that modernization and indigenous development to attain self-reliance in defence production is vital to meet the challenges of the future battlefield.

He was given a detailed briefing on the performance of various production units, ISPR said, adding that the briefing focused on targets achieved, future projects, envisaged modernisation for cost-effective and sustainable production and acquisition of modern technology in line with prevailing operational requirements of Pakistan armed forces.

The COAS was also apprised on POF endeavours for international ventures focusing on exports to contribute to the national exchequer, read the statement. He also visited display lounge where newly developed defence products were showcased.

Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by POF Chairman Lieutenant General Bilal Akbar.

Earlier on November 7, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa had visited logistic installations of Lahore Corps.

During interaction with troops, General Qamar Javed Bajwa had said that efficient and smooth logistics will enhance the overall operational readiness and response capacity against adventurism by the enemy, the military’s media wing had said.

 

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Qureshi reiterates Pakistan's desire for peace in Afghanistan at OIC

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated on Friday Pakistan's desire for peace in Afghanistan, and dignified and honourable return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.

"Pakistan will continue to play its conciliatory role for peace in the neighbouring country," FM Qureshi said during his meeting with Afghan counterpart Mohammed Haneef Atmar on the sidelines of the 47th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting, happening in Niamey, Niger.

FM Qureshi added that Afghan leadership should remain cognisant of elements that want to sabotage peace efforts in Afghanistan.

Qureshi reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations with the country.

The Afghan foreign minister commended Pakistan's sincere efforts in the Afghan peace process.

On November 25, in a video message, FM Qureshi said the OIC meeting would deliberate upon the challenges faced by the Muslim community and other important issues and added that he would present Pakistan's stance on the changes taking place on the international landscape.

"Muslims are perturbed over the rising incidents of Islamophobia," the foreign minister said, adding that, "Pakistan has a very categorical and clear stance on the matter."

Referring to Indian atrocities in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and Indian state terrorism in Pakistan, the FM said that OIC was the appropriate forum to highlight Indian brutality against innocent Kashmiri people.

The foreign minister added that on the sidelines of the OIC meeting, he would also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from other Islamic countries.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had also praised outgoing United States President Donald Trump for his role in the resumption of peace dialogues in Afghanistan and expressed hope that the president-elect, Joe Biden would continue to follow his predecessor's strategy in the war-torn country.

PM Imran expressed hope that Biden will not pull back from the good work done by Trump in Afghanistan.

He also warned against the spoilers of Afghan peace, saying that the level of violence has increased in the neighbouring country. PM Imran said that there was great hope that the dialogues in Afghanistan would succeed.

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Nawaz Sharif offers mother Begum Shamim Akhtar's funeral prayers in London

PML-N supremo and former prime minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif offered the funeral prayers of his mother, Begum Shamim Akhtar, in London on Friday along with several family and party members.

The prayers were held in London Central Mosque — alternatively known as Regent's Park Mosque — where the number of participants had to be limited to 30 under the United Kingdom's coronavirus guidelines.

After the prayers, Begum Shamim's body was taken to the London Heathrow Airport for repatriation to Pakistan.

Earlier, ex-finance minister Ishaq Dar had announced that Nawaz Sharif would not be able to accompany his mother's body to Pakistan as he was not declared medically fit to travel by his doctors.

Begum Shamim Akhtar passed away in London on November 22 at the age of 89. She had developed a severe chest infection and was suffering from an advanced stage of Alzheimer's Disease. Her condition had deteriorated and she could not regain her health due to old age.

The deceased was receiving treatment at a London hospital and her body is currently kept at the Avenfield Apartments where she was staying with Nawaz Sharif.

The body had been transferred to the London Central Mosque's mortuary late Sunday night after the coroner and local police spent about three hours at the Sharif family's apartment to complete paperwork to determine the cause of death and other legal requirements.

Burial in Pakistan

Funeral prayers of Begum Shamim Akhtar will also be offered at the Sharif Medical City in Jati Umrah on Saturday after which her body will be laid to rest.

Shahbaz Sharif, Hamza Shahbaz released on parole for funeral

The Punjab government on Tuesday approved releasing Shahbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz on five-day parole to attend Begum Shamim’s funeral subjected to her body’s arrival in the country.

The two leaders have been imprisoned after being charged for money laundering.

 

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Khalid Khurshid set to become next Gilgit Baltistan chief minister

Advocate Khalid Khurshid is set to become the next chief minister of Gilgit Baltistan.

PTI Chief Organiser Saifullah Niazi said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has finalized the name of Advocate Khalid Khurshid for Gilgit Baltistan chief minister.

Khalid Khurshid contested 2020 Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly election from constituency GBA-13 (Astore-I) on the ticket of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

He won the election by a margin of 1,719 votes over the runner-up Abdul Hameed Khan of Pakistan People’s Party. He garnered 4,836 votes while Abdul Hameed received 3,117 votes.

According to PTI, Khalid Khurshid, who joined the party in 2018, will be party's candidate for the chief ministership. Prime Minister Imran Khan chose Khalid Khurshid after holding consultations with PTI central and Gilgit Baltistan leadership.

Earlier, several names emerged for the coveted position of chief minister of Gilgit-Baltistan. Four names – Fatehullah, Khalid Khurshid, Col R Obaidullah and Advocate Nazir Ahmed – were with Prime Minister Imran Khan for consideration.

Among them Khalid Khurshid got succeeded to win the confidence of the prime minister for the coveted job. On Thursday, PTI leader Syed Amjad Ali Zaidi has been elected as third speaker of Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly after securing 18 votes.

The united opposition’s candidate Ghulam Ahmad got only eight votes. Six votes rejected (4 government and 2 opposition) due to inaccurate stamping.

Outgoing GBLA speaker Fida Muhammad Nashad administered the oath to the newly elected Amjad Zaidi. G-B went to election on November 15 to elect 24 lawmakers of the legislative assembly on general seats.

The voting was held on 23 seats as the election was delayed because of the death of a candidate. The by-poll to that seat was held last week.

According to the official results of the G-B election, the PTI gained two-thirds majority with the joining of six independent lawmakers.

According to the official results, PTI had 22 seats in the 33-strong house. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) followed with 5 and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) 3.

The Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and independent share one seat each. All the newly-elected lawmakers were sworn during the inaugural session of the assembly, chaired by Speaker Haji Fida Muhammad Nashad.

The speaker administered the oath. Addressing the session Nashad congratulated the newly-election members.

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Shehbaz, Hamza to be released on five-day parole today

Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz will be released on five-day parole at 02:30 pm today following the death of Begum Shamim Akhtar, on Friday.

Shehbaz Sharif and his son will be released from Kot Lakhpat Jail today on five-day parole following the death of her mother Begum Shamim Akhtar. The dead body of Sharifs’ mother will be brought to Lahore to be buried at their Jati Umra residence.

The funeral prayers of Begum Shamim Akhtar will be offered on Saturday evening at Medical City Complex.

Earlier on Thursday, Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar had approved the release of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz on parole for five days to receive the body of her mother at Lahore airport and to offer her funeral prayers.

The lawyers had pleaded for their 15-day release on parole, however, the provincial government approved their five-day release besides allowing Shehbaz Sharif to receive the body of her mother at the airport.

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Corona Positive ratio sharps up to 7.20 percent in pakistan

Pakistan’s COVID-19 positivity ratio stands at 7.20 per cent, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said on Friday.

A meeting of the NCOC with Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar in the chair was informed today that the highest test positivity rate was recorded in Peshawar at 19.65 %, followed by Karachi at 17.73%, and Hyderabad at 16.32 %.

The NCOC was briefed that Pakistan’s positivity ratio has soared to 7.20 per cent lately. Sindh recorded the highest positivity ratio at 13.25%, followed by 10.79% witnessed in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 9.25% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 6.41% in Balochistan, 5.84% in Islamabad, 4.81% in Gilgit Baltistan, and 3.59% in Punjab.

There are a total of 2,112 critically ill Covid-19 patients across the country but the number of such patients is increasing sharply, the forum was informed.

Asad Umar said protecting the masses from the pandemic is the government’s foremost priority. All-out efforts are being made to contain the spread of the virus with round-the-clock monitoring of the Covid situation, he added.

He stressed the need for people to play an individual and collective role to stem the virus spread, lauding enforcement of SOPs at mosques across the country.

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Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari to be engaged today

The daughter of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari, Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari is all set to engage with the son of business tycoon Younas Choudhry today (Friday) in Karachi reported.

Arrangements have been finalized for the ceremony. Bilawal House where the engagement will take place has been sprayed with disinfectants.

The future husband of Bakhtawar, Mahmood Chaudhry, his father Younas Chaudhry and their other family members have already arrived in the metropolis. The event will be held in an open area of Bilawal House.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will not be able to attend the engagement ceremony of his sister as he had been tested positive for coronavirus and is in self-isolation.

The guests attending the ceremony have been asked to get tested for coronavirus ahead of the event and convey a scanned copy of the results via email.

The guests are also advised not to carry their cellphones. Only the officially deputed photographers will cover the event.

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Covid-19: 54 more people passes away in pakistan within 24 hrs

Pakistan has recorded fresh 3,313 COVID-19 cases and 54 deaths due to the virus in the last 24 hours, reported on Friday.

In the past 24 hours, 54 more people succumbed to the disease, taking the death toll to 7,897. 1,489 patients have recovered from the virus during the last 24 hours and 2,112 patients are in critical condition.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), with fresh inclusion of the infections in the country the national tally of cases now currently stands at 389,311, whereas, the active cases stood at 45,533.

A total of 43,214 tests were conducted across the country during this period. 335,881 people have recovered from the deadly disease while 5,386,916 samples have been tested thus far.

Earlier on Thursday, it emerged that Pakistan had decided to contact China for the availability of COVID-19 vaccine, sources told ARY News.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) will communicate with the Chinese government via the foreign ministry, sources in the knowledge of the matter, said.

The health authorities in Islamabad will seek details of the expected vaccines being developed in China and also the details about the Chinese vaccine developing companies, CanSino Biologics and Sinopharm, the sources said.

Moreover, the price and the data of the clinical trials of the coronavirus vaccines would also be sought from the pharmaceutical companies.

It is pertinent to mention here that both the Chinese companies conducting phase three of clinical trials of their vaccines.

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CMEA organized a discussion on “The Role of China in the Middle East & Africa

The Centre for Middle East & Africa (CMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized a web panel discussion on “The Role of China in the Middle East & Africa.”

Panel of experts included Ms. Maria German, student at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs Fudan University (China); Dr. Zahid Ahmed, Research Fellow at the Deakin University (Australia) and Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC). Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG, ISSI also joined the panel for the discussion. Director CMEA, Ms. Amina Khan moderated the discussion.

Director CMEA, Ms. Amina Khan opened the panel discussion by stating that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a mega-project focused on increasing connectivity by opening up avenues for diplomatic and economic activity, thereby cementing trade and commercial ties between China and partner countries.

In the case of the Middle East, this can be evidenced in the sharp increase in trade between China and the Middle East countries. Chinese investment in the Middle East focuses on infrastructure, construction, agriculture, finance, however the energy sector remains the substratum of China's associations with the region.

Both sides have mutual interests in integrating the BRI into national regeneration schemes, such as Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Vision 2021, Jordan 2025, Turkey's Middle Corridor and Kuwait's Vision 2035. She went on to say that it is a similar story in Africa. China has taken a multi-pronged approach in its economic relations with Africa, as it is a significant source of foreign direct investment.

In 2019, Beijing announced a $1 billion Belt and Road Africa infrastructure development fund as well as a $60 billion African aid package in 2018. Moreover, the ‘Extraordinary China-Africa Summit on Solidarity Against COVID-19’ held in June 2020, has further strengthened ties between China and the African bloc.

Answering a question regarding China’s overall role in the Middle East, Ambassador Aizaz stated that there are three dimensions of China’s regional approach, the economic, political and security dimensions.

The economic dimension is more dominant than the other two. The Western analysts often perceive China in the Middle East in a more negative light although its security engagement in the region is quite minimal.

Commenting on China’s perception in the African continent, he said that the African countries view China as a good investor while there is also stiff competition between China and Africa’s traditional partners such as the US and France.

While commenting on China’s overall Foreign policy approach towards the Middle East, Ms. German said that apart from increasing investments, China is also cognizant of ensuring the safety of its citizens residing in different countries of the region.

She further remarked that China’s regional preference is peace, stability, with a cautious approach to conflict resolution. It becomes engaged in a process but does not play a decisive role. China has a growing role in African security as can be seen in its collective naval drill and anti-piracy missions. Ms. German observed that China’s economic relations with the African continent are based on win-win cooperation as without building infrastructure in these countries, it would be impossible to attract any foreign investment.

Ambassador Khalid was of the view that China is slowly gravitating towards the Middle East and Africa region with the main focus being on the energy sector. China’s appetite for energy resources since China’s demand for oil and gas is increasing. Ambassador Khalid said that at present China’s role in the region is purely economic because of China’s policy of non-interference. It is only natural that in order to safeguard its stakes in the region, China has to maintain some sort of presence in the region, which it does through bases in Djibouti and peacekeepers in Sudan. He was of the view that China has let the US take a lead in playing a security role in the region and instead has focused on economic development.

While answering various questions, Dr. Zahid said that energy is a key driver of China's relations with the Middle East. It has shown no desire to interfere or influence the US dominated security infrastructure in the region. A lot of China’s role will also depend on how US allies such as India shape their policy in the Middle East so while US withdrawal will provide space to China, it is likely that China and India will be locked in a battle for influence. Regarding Africa, he said there is now a Chinese role in Africa albeit minimum.

He said that pragmatism and flexibility are two main characteristics of China’s foreign policy. Making his observations on a question on prospects for Pakistan is not just a passive actor in the Pakistan China relationship and considering Pakistan’s strong relationship there are sure to be avenues.

Dr. Talat talked about China's policy in the Middle East and Africa, and said it is also driven by China’s overall global approach. China wants a shared future of prosperity for its partners. This also extends to the Middle East countries.

China’s vision focuses on expansion of trade links in the region and follows its policy of non-interference in countries’ political rifts strictly. There is a thought process in Chinese scholarship that if China gets involved in the security matters of the region, it will be detrimental to the win-win narrative China propagates. Commenting on the prospects of Sino-Pak cooperation in the African continent in the backdrop of Pakistan’s Engage Africa policy, Dr Talat said that this was a timely initiative by the Pakistani government and would provide abundant opportunities for joint outreach to African countries.

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Maradona buried as world grieves imperfect soccer extraordinary

Argentina’s Diego Maradona, one of the world’s greatest ever soccer players, was buried on Thursday amid a global outpouring of grief from the streets of Buenos Aires to Naples in Italy.

The death of Maradona at the age of 60 on Wednesday, following a heart attack, has sparked both mourning and celebrations of a true sporting star, who was a genius on the soccer field but lived a life marred by struggles with addiction.

In a day of high emotion, the World Cup winner was taken by hearse late on Thursday to the Bella Vista cemetery on the outskirts of Buenos Aires - where his parents are also interred - for an small private ceremony of his family and close friends.

Thousands of Argentines lined the roads as the procession passed on the hour-long journey from the presidential palace in central Buenos Aires, where Maradona had lain in state during the day.

Earlier, there were clashes between police and fans and a febrile atmosphere more akin to a rowdy soccer game than a wake, with fans clambering up the palace gates to get as close as possible to their hero.

In Italy, crowds tied hundreds of blue and white scarfs to the railings outside his former club Napoli, while in France, sports paper L’Equipe’s front page blared out: “God is dead”.

In Argentina, three days of national mourning were called for the player who led the country to a 1986 World Cup win and is revered with cult-like status. Tens of thousands took to the streets, not all wearing masks, despite fears over the COVID-19 pandemic. Some left flowers and messages at his childhood home.

“Maradona for me is the greatest thing that happened to me in life. I love him as much as my father and it’s like my old man died,” Cristian Montelli, 22, a supporter of the star’s former club Boca Juniors said with tears in his eyes after he had filed past the coffin.

“If I die young, hopefully upstairs I can play ball and watch a Boca game with him,” added Montelli, who had a tattoo of Maradona’s face on his leg.

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No mutant coronavirus strain in Pakistan: Dr Faisal Sultan

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Dr Faisal Sultan clarified on Thursday that at present there is no evidence that coronavirus has undergone a mutation giving it an additional virulence.

Responding to APP queries, he strongly dispelled the misconception about a mutant strain in the country and stressed that all viruses mutate with time and therefore it is nothing unusual.

A health ministry official contacted by APP via phone said "there is no evidence that virus mutation can not be detected through PCR (testing) nor do we have evidence that transmission of the virus changes its strain".

The remarks came in response to concerns that the PCR test cannot reliably detect the new supposedly "mutated" virus.

Dr Zahra Hasan, a member of the Medical Microbiology and Infectious Society of Pakistan (MMIDSP), elaborating further told APP that robust diagnostic tests are designed to detect multiple target sites so that random point mutations do not affect their sensitivity.

"Robust PCR tests have at least two target genes and that way you should not miss diagnosing the target just because you may sequence variations in one target or other," she said.

"We do not have any clinical evidence that mutations are causing a difference in the disease; it's still speculation," said Dr Hasan, also a professor at Aga Khan University.

She reiterated that "Genome Sequencing" is ongoing and it will help us understand the strain diversity and disease associated with the strains.

The doctor stressed that people must continue to strictly adhere to coronavirus safety protocols and help contain the spread of COVID-19 as well as flu in the country.

 

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Almost 100 pilot whales die in New Zealand stranding

Almost 100 pilot whales have died in a mass stranding on New Zealand’s remote Chatham Islands, conservation officials said on Wednesday.

Most of the marine mammals beached themselves over the weekend but rescue efforts were hampered by the area’s isolated location, about 800 kilometres (500 miles) east of the South Island, the Department of Conservation (DOC) said.

Department biodiversity ranger Jemma Welch said 69 whales had already died by the time wildlife officers reached the beach.

She said 28 pilot whales, including two that beached on Monday after the initial stranding, and three dolphins were euthanised.

Welch said the animals had to be put down “due to the rough sea conditions and almost certainty of there being great white sharks in the water which are brought in by a stranding like this”.

She said members of the local Maori community had performed a ceremony to honour the spirits of the whales, which would be left to decompose naturally.

The Chatham Islands was the site of New Zealand’s largest recorded mass stranding, when 1,000 beached themselves in 1918.

Pilot whales grow up to six metres (20 feet) long and are the most common species of whale in New Zealand waters.

The causes of mass strandings remain unknown despite scientists studying the phenomenon for decades.

Theories include pod members following a sick leader ashore, shoreline geography that scrambles the animals’ sonar, the presence of predators and extreme weather.

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No quick end to economic damage after Covid-19 vaccine: UNCTAD

Despite growing confidence that an end to health pandemic is in sight, a report released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has warned that a viable Covid-19 vaccine will not contain the economic damage.

The report said that the after-effects of the economic damage caused by the pandemic will be felt for a long time in future especially by the poorest and most vulnerable.

The UNCTAD report titled ‘Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Trade and Development: Transition to a New Normal’ provides a comprehensive assessment of the economic knock-ons, projecting that the global economy will contract by a staggering 4.3 per cent in 2020 and warning that the crisis could send an additional 130 million people into extreme poverty.

The way the world economy is set up is partly to blame for the disproportionate impact on the world’s poorest who lack resources necessary to respond to shocks such as Covid-19, the report says.

“Moving rapidly across borders, along the principal arteries of the global economy, the spread of virus has benefited from the underlying interconnections — and frailties — of globalisation, catapulting a global health crisis into a global economic shock that has hit the most vulnerable the hardest,” it added.

The report said the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 will be derailed unless immediate policy actions are taken, especially in favour of the poorest. A better recovery must centre on renewed trade policy that tackles the twin challenges of market concentration and environmental impact, the report says.

It also notes there is a pressing need to reshape global production networks to be more green, inclusive, and sustainable while simultaneously resetting the multilateral system to support the most vulnerable and deliver on climate action.

In the report, UNCTAD tracks the deepening impact of the virus on all areas of the world economy and maps how the crisis has affected global trade, investment, production, employment and, ultimately, individual livelihoods.

It finds that the pandemic’s impact has been asymmetric and tilted towards the most vulnerable, both within and across countries, affecting low-income households, migrants, informal workers and women disproportionately, the report says.

Global poverty is on the rise for the first time since the 1998 Asian financial crisis. In 1990, the global poverty rate was 35.9pc. By 2018, it had been curtailed to 8.6pc but has already inched up to 8.8pc this year and will likely rise throughout 2021.

Additionally, Covid-19 has had an excessive effect on two sectors — tourism and micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises — which employ many vulnerable groups.

These and other setbacks, such as school closures that threaten 20 years of progress in expanding access to education, especially for girls, will have strong negative impacts on the productive capacity of countries well into the future, the report finds.

The disparities caused by the Covid-19 crisis are glaring, and vaccine production and delivery will likely underscore the limited capacity of most developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) to respond to the crisis.

In the report, the UN’s trade and development body provides a road map for recovery that requires an overdue and opportune shift in the structure of global trade and cooperation.

“Covid-19 has been painful and course-altering, but it is also a catalyst for needed change,” UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said. “We need to reshape global production networks and reset multilateral cooperation for the better.”

Global production networks will play a critical role in producing and distributing the new vaccine, as they have in moving critical medical supplies during the crisis. But vaccine deployment will likely expose long-entrenched inequalities in the global trading system that the report says must change to ‘recover better’, he said.

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Six members of Pakistan squad in New Zealand test positive for coronavirus

Six members of the Pakistan contingent that have travelled to New Zealand have tested positive for the coronavirus, confirmed the New Zealand Cricket Board on Thursday.

"NZC was made aware today that six members of the Pakistan touring squad, currently in managed isolation in Christchurch, have tested positive for COVID-19," said the board in a statement.

The board said that two out of the six were cases of reinfection, while the other four were marked as "new". It added that following the test results the six individuals will be moved to the "quarantine arm of the managed isolation facility".

"The Pakistan team’s exemption to train while in managed isolation has been put on hold until investigations have been completed," said the board following the test results.

It is important to mention that the squad had tested negative four times before leaving Lahore.

Some squad members violated isolation SOPs

The New Zealand Cricket Board also said that some members of the team had "contravened protocols on the first day of managed isolation".

"We will be having discussions with the tourists to assist them in understanding the requirements," said the board.

Squad divided into groups

Earlier, it was reported that the 54-member Pakistan Cricket squad has been divided into four different groups on arrival in New Zealand – each group isolated from other groups, residing in separate blocks.

An official confirmed that players and officials will remain in isolation for 14 days, the duration will be calculated from the day of arrival in Christchurch.

“They will have the training and other movements at their respective decided times. It is like a different bubble for each group. Virtually every group is isolated from other groups and living in their own bubble,” he said.

“It is like four different bubbles within the biosecure environment set for the team,” the official explained.

Each group has a set of players and officials with them so that players' training can be managed aptly with the best available coaching staff.

Pakistan will play three T20Is and two Test matches in New Zealand next month. On the sidelines, Pakistan Shaheens will also play two 4-day games against New Zealand A on the tour.

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Sudan's former premier Sadiq al-Mahdi passes away in UAE

Leading Sudanese politician and former prime minister Sadiq al-Mahdi died from a coronavirus infection three weeks after being hospitalised in the United Arab Emirates, according to family sources and a party statement early on Thursday.

Mahdi, 84, was Sudan’s last democratically elected prime minister and was overthrown in 1989 in the military coup that brought former president Omar al-Bashir to power.

The moderate Umma Party was one of the largest opposition parties under Bashir, and Mahdi remained an influential figure even after Bashir was toppled in April 2019.

Last month, al-Mahdi’s family said he had tested positive for COVID-19, and was transferred to the UAE for treatment a few days later following a brief hospitalisation in Sudan.

In a statement, the Umma Party said Mahdi would be buried on Friday morning in the city of Omdurman in Sudan.

Mahdi had returned to Sudan in December 2018, following a year-long self-exile, just as protests over worsening economic conditions and Bashir’s rule gathered steam. His daughter Mariam Sadiq al-Mahdi, deputy leader of the Umma Party, was among those detained during the demonstrations.

While a successor to the party head has not yet been announced, she has been the most visible party leader in political negotiations and the media in recent years.

Opposition parties were weakened greatly under Bashir’s three-decade regime, and are jostling for power with the military during Sudan’s transition, making the Umma Party’s continued unity crucial to maintaining the balance of power.

After the military forced Bashir out from power, Mahdi pushed for a transfer to civilian rule, warning in interviews with Reuters of the risks of a counter-coup and calling for the powerful, paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to be integrated.

 

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Pakistanis join final trials for China-made coronavirus vaccine

Scores of volunteers from across Pakistan are flocking to research hospitals to join the final-stage clinical trials of a Chinese-made vaccine for coronavirus.

It is the first time Pakistan has participated in such a trial, which comes amid a string of positive vaccine announcements by Western pharmaceutical companies this month.

The vaccine is being developed by CanSinoBio and the Beijing Institute of Biotechnology China.

"I have volunteered myself for a noble cause that will help humanity," said a volunteer at Islamabad's Shifa hospital, where hundreds of participants are being paid about $50 for their trouble.

Others should "step forward and take part in this noble cause which will save lives," he added.

For years, China has focused much of its attention in Pakistan on mammoth development projects, bankrolling the construction of roads, power plants and a strategic port.

Moderna Inc's MRNA.O: Can the new coronavirus vaccine be stored in ordinary refrigerators?

Beijing has now tapped one of its closest allies to participate in the vaccine trials, despite Pakistan's chequered history with inoculation campaigns.

"We hope to have some findings ready about the accuracy and efficacy of the vaccine in two to three months," Ejaz Ahmad Khan, the principal researcher overseeing the trial in Pakistan, told AFP.

Officials said Pakistan has already inoculated about 7,000 of the 10,000 participants expected to receive a jab.

The trials come with intensive care wards across the country nearing capacity as a second, deadlier wave of the coronavirus spreads and officials struggle to counter public indifference to the pandemic.

The country has confirmed more than 382,000 cases including over 7,800 deaths since the virus arrived in late February.

Less than a year after the coronavirus that has claimed 1.4 million lives began spreading across the globe, a number of highly promising COVID-19 vaccines are on the cusp of release.

Four separate drug makers have recently announced that their vaccines are effective for most people.

Due to lingering suspicions over vaccines, Pakistan is one of just two countries where polio continues to spread, sparking fears that a new drive to inoculate the population against the coronavirus will fail.

The Chinese vaccine is also undergoing phase 3 trials — or large-scale testing on humans — in several other nations including China, Russia, Chile, Argentina and Saudi Arabia.

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Reports suggesting Kashmir not on OIC meeting agenda are part of 'false Indian propaganda': FO

Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri on Thursday denied reports that the Kashmir issue was not part of the upcoming Council of Foreign Ministers' (CFM) meeting, terming them a "part of false Indian propaganda".

During a weekly press briefing, Chaudhri said that the Kashmir issue was a "permanent item" on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and recalled that the body has been "unambiguously pronouncing itself on the issue for decades, through a succession of summits as well as CFM resolutions".

Tomorrow's CFM meeting, which will be held in Niger's capital Niamey, would be the first after India repealed occupied Kashmir's special status in August last year, the spokesperson told reporters.

"It is expected that the session would reiterate its strong support to the Kashmir cause. Let me confirm that the Jammu and Kashmir dispute continue(s) to be amongst the longest standing items on the OIC agenda," insisted FO spokesperson.

He further said that the OIC had spoken on the Kashmir issue multiple times and has "called for a settlement [...] with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions". The OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir has met thrice in the past 15 months, Chaudhri said, adding that a meeting of the group with foreign ministers was held in June this year.

"The final communique of that meeting called upon India to rescind its illegal actions and stop egregious human rights violations in the illegally occupied territory," said the FO spokesperson.

No mention of Kashmir

Despite the FO's insistence, the OIC statements, both in English and Arabic, issued for tomorrow's CFM meeting in Niamey made no specific mention of Kashmir in the agenda announced in Riyadh.

OIC Secretary General Dr Yousef Al-Othaimeen was quoted in the official statement as having said that the meeting would discuss the Palestinian cause, the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, Islamophobia and defamation of religion, the situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member states, fundraising for the Rohingya case at the International Court of Justice, as well as the promotion of dialogue among civilisations, cultures and religions, and other emerging matters.

The agenda of the Niamey meeting also includes discussion on the political, humanitarian, economic, social and cultural and other issues related to science and technology, the media and the progress made in the implementation of the “OIC-2025: Plan of Action” document. It would, moreover, feature a brainstorming session on “Security and Humanitarian Challenges Confronting African Sahel States Members of the OIC”.

Pakistan has since the annexation of occupied Kashmir by India been demanding a special meeting of the OIC foreign ministers on the dispute. The meeting has not been convened so far because the Saudis, who wield a virtual veto in the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, have not supported Islamabad’s move.

The latest omission of Kashmir from the agenda of the regular foreign ministers’ meeting comes at a time when ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia/UAE remain strained over what Pakistani diplomats say are “unfulfilled expectations”.

In today's FO briefing, when asked about the change of visa policy by the United Arab Emirates — under which the Arab state temporarily stopped issuing new visas to citizens of Pakistan, Afghanistan and several mostly Muslim majority countries — Chaudhri said it has not been confirmed. At the same time, he denied that the step was taken due to security concerns, as reported by multiple media outlets.

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PTI GBLA members bag speaker, deputy speaker positions

Two PTI members on Thursday safely secured the positions of speaker and deputy speaker in the Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly.

PTI candidate Syed Amjad Ali was elected to the position of speaker, while advocate Nazir Ahmed secured the seat of deputy speaker.

The outgoing speaker, Fida Muhammad Nashad administered the oath to the newly-elected speaker.

For the position of speaker, Ali secured 18 votes, while joint opposition candidate Ghulam Mohammad secured eight votes.

For the post of deputy speaker, advocate Ahmed grabbed 22 votes, while opposition candidate Rehmat Khaliq was able to get nine votes.

Later, Ali chaired a meeting of the newly-elected lawmakers and thanked them for electing him as speaker.

"It is our duty to meet the expectations of the nation," he said.

PTI has secured 22 out of the 33 seats in the assembly.

The Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly consists of 33 seats — 24 of which are contested through direct elections. The remaining nine are reserved seats — six for women and three for technocrats and professionals.

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CM buzdar approves five-day parole of Shehbaz Sharif, Hamza

Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Usman Buzdar has approved the release of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz on parole for five days to attend the funeral of Begum Shamim Akhtar.

As per details, Usman Buzdar has approved the recommendations forwarded by the cabinet. Both PML-N leaders will be released on November 27 at 2 pm hours, sources said.
On Wednesday, the PML-N had forwarded another application allowing Shehbaz and Hamza to visit the Lahore airport and receive the body.

Meanwhile, the district administration had sought time to decide on the request.

Remember that the approval for the younger Sharif and Hamza’s release was given by the Punjab cabinet, where it was decided to release the father-son duo for five days to attend the last rites of Begum Shamim Akhtar.

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Islamabad administration issues notification of closure of educational institutions

The district administration has issued a notification for the closure of all educational institutions from November 26 to December 24 after consulting administrations of private education centres, on Thursday.

The notification stated that academic sessions will be suspended from November 26 to December 24 due to spike in COVID-19 cases. However, one-fourth educators and staff members will be allowed to arrive in educational institutions.

It added that students will be given online lessons during the period. Moreover, winter vacations will be observed from December 25 to January 10 – 2021 after the conclusion of the closure period.

Earlier on November 23, the federal government had announced the closure of all educational institutions from November 26 to December 24 due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.

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Ali Musa Gillani gets bail in SOPs violation case

The local court on Thursday granted bail to Ali Musa Gillani, the son of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani in a case related to violation of COVID-19 SOPs.

He along with 70 Pakistan People’s Party activists were booked by the police over holding a protest demonstration outside Chehlyak police station in Multan, yesterday.

Speaking to media after getting bail, Ali Musa Gillani said people are facing the worst inflation and they are unable to pay fees of their children if they decide to pay electricity bills.

He directed the party workers to prepare for the November 30 public gathering in Multan and vowed to hold it at any cost.

A large number of party workers reached Chehlyak police station, when the cops were shifting Ali Musa Gillani to the court.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had condemned the arrest of Ali Musa Gillani and termed it hooliganism from the incumbent selected rulers.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is planning to hold a massive power show in Multan on November 30 and Yousaf Raza Gillani on November 12 had claimed that it would be the largest political rally in the region.

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Chairman PPP Bilawal bhutto tested positive for Covid-19

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, on Thursday.

Confirming the news through his Twitter handle, Bilawal said that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and has gone into self-isolation with mild symptoms.

The PPP chairman said that he will continue working from home and will be addressing PPP foundation day via video link.

 

I have tested positive for #COVIDー19 & am self isolating with mild symptoms. I‘ll continue working from home & will be addressing PPP foundation day via video link. Wear a mask everyone, see you on the other side IA ?

— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 26, 2020

Earlier it emerged that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has isolated himself after his political secretary Jameel Soomro testedHe went for the COVID-19 diagnosis test which remained positive.

On Wednesday, senior Pakistan People’s Party leader Nabeel Gabol had claimed that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tested negative for the COVID-19. positive for coronavirus.

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GBA to elect speaker, deputy speaker today

Gilgit-Baltistan Asse­mbly (GBA) to elect a speaker and the deputy speaker on Thursday (today).

Sources said Amjad Zaidi would be the candidate of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the speaker slot, while three names including Ubedullah Baig are under consideration for the deputy speaker slot of the GBA.

Opposition parties — the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) — nominated Ghulam Mohammad as their joint candidate for the post of speaker and Rehmat Khaliq for deputy speaker.

On Wednesday, the newly elected members of Gilgit-Baltistan  Assembly (GBA) took oath in the maiden session.

According to the details, Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Speaker Haji Fida Muhammad Nashad administered the oath to all the 33 newly elected members.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) gained majority in GBLA with 16 general and six reserve seats in the province. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had won five seats while Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) received only three seats.

Earlier on November 16, Prime Minister Imran Khan had expressed happiness over the victory of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in GB polls and said that voters had rejected Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)’s narrative.

Chairing a meeting of party spokespersons and PTI leaders in Islamabad, the prime minister had said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan had rejected the anti-state narrative of opposition.

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