Covid-19: 74 more people died across the country over the last 24 hours

The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of 74 more people across the country over the last 24 hours, taking the death toll from the disease to 20,251.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data, the national tally of confirmed cases rose to 900,552 with 3,084 more testing positive for the virus during the same period.

A total of 62,061 samples were tested, out of which 3,084 turned out to be positive. The positivity ratio was recorded at 4.96%. 3,826 more people recuperated from the disease, pushing the number of those recovering to 817,681.

There were 4,392 infected patients in critical care in various hospitals in the past 24 hours.

Thus far, Punjab has reported 333,971 COVID-19 cases, Sindh 308,118, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 129,413, Islamabad 80,312, Balochistan 24,517, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 18,739 and Gilgit Baltistan 5,482.

Earlier, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had issued safety guidelines for tourists to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.

According to NCOC guidelines, the potential tourists should ensure that they are healthy and physically fit before embarking on the journey.

The NCOC in its guidelines said that mandatory collection of Negative PCR/COVID-19 report along with CNICs by hotels/guesthouses management should be ensured before booking of rooms.

Statistics 23 May 21:
Total Tests in Last 24 Hours: 62,061
Positive Cases: 3084
Positivity % : 4.96%
Deaths : 74

— NCOC (@OfficialNcoc) May 23, 2021

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Saudi Arabia has allowed Hajj for 60,000 people from across the world, including Pakistanis

The Saudi authorities allowed pilgrims from overseas to perform Hajj this year under strict health and precautionary measures amid Covid-19 pandemic.

Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony Maulana Tahir Ashrafi confirmed late Saturday that Saudi Arabia has allowed Hajj for 60,000 people from across the world, including Pakistanis.

Maulana Tahir Ashrafi said the Saudi government would later inform Pakistan about the number of pilgrims that will be allowed to perform the ritual.

He further said people under the age of 18 and over 60 will not be allowed to go for Hajj this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tahir Ashrafi said that Saudi authorities have declared vaccination mandatory for pilgrims.

The Government of Pakistan has requested Saudi authorities to register the Chinese Covid-19 vaccine for Hajj pilgrimage 2021, he said.

According to a report, Saudi Arabia has issued a list of recommended vaccines, which does not include vaccines manufactured in China.

Pfizer, Oxford, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson’s coronavirus vaccines have been recommended by the kingdom for use, according to a report.

Saudi Arabia last year only allowed 10,000 pilgrims from within its borders to make the pilgrimage due to pandemic.

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Karachi experiences power outage amid hot and humid weather

Large swathes of Karachi experienced power outage amid hot and humid weather after a 220kv high-tension electricity supply line tripped on Saturday.

Sources in K-Electric said power supply to as many as 30 grid stations got suspended due to the tripping of the high-tension line, leaving half the metropolis without electricity.

The areas that faced the power outage included New Karachi, Saddar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Buffer Zone, Shadman, Sir Syed Town, Nagan Chowrangi, FB Area and North Nazimabad.

The city’s sole power distributor confirmed in a Twitter statement that power supply to “parts of Karachi has been interrupted due to a tripping of KE’s 220 kV high tension line.”

“Due to this, supply to associated grids has been affected,” the power distribution company added.

“Restoration efforts have already begun and are expected to be completed within one hour. Availability of generation supply is enabling restoration to progress swiftly.”

Various areas of the metropolis have been facing unannounced power cuts lately. Even the localities exempted from load-shedding are being subjected to hours-long power cuts.

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Corona claims 88 more people across the country

The coronavirus killed 88 more people across the country over the last 24 hours, taking the death toll from the disease to 20,177.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data, the national tally of confirmed cases rose to 897,468 with 4,007 more testing positive for the virus during the same period.
A total of 62,238 samples were tested, out of which 4,007 turned out to be positive. The positivity ratio was recorded at 6.43%. 3,712 more people recuperated from the disease, pushing the number of those recovering to 813,855.

There were 4,412 infected patients in critical care in variou hospitals in the past 24 hours.

Thus far, Punjab has reported 333,057 infections, Sindh 306,707, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 129,013, Islamabad 80,156, Balochistan 24,413, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 18,651 and Gilgit Baltistan 5,471.

On Friday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided to start Covid-19 vaccination for citizens aged 30 and above from today (Saturday).

Taking to his official Twitter account, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, who heads the NCOC, announced that, “In today’s National Command Operation Center (NCOC) meeting it has been decided to open up vaccination for 30 years and older starting tomorrow.”

“The messages for those who are being scheduled will go out today.”

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Covid-19 vaccination for Pakistanis over 30 begins

Vaccination against Covid-19 of Pakistanis aged 30 years and above started today (Saturday), according to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

“Vaccination for 30 -40 years begins today! Register yourself by sending CNIC to 1166. On receiving SMS, visit the mentioned vaccination center on given date (or afterwards) and get vaccinated,” the NCOC tweeted.
Taking to his official Twitter account earlier, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, who heads the NCOC, announced that, “In today’s National Command Operation Center (NCOC) meeting it has been decided to open up vaccination for 30 years and older starting tomorrow.”

“The messages for those who are being scheduled will go out today.”

The NCOC said a total of 1,193,441 people have been fully inoculated against Covid-19 while 2,631,873 partially vaccinated. As many as 176,907 citizens got vaccinated in the past 24 hours. A total of 4,956,853 doses have been administered as of May 22.

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Qureshi stresses Pakistan's unwavering support for Palestine in meeting with UN chief

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian cause in a meeting with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, according to a statement from the Foreign Office (FO).

The meeting between the two took place on the sidelines of the special session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Palestine with FM Qureshi in New York as part of "Pakistan’s extensive diplomatic outreach efforts to mobilise international support for the Palestinians", reported the Associated Press of Pakistan.

"During the meeting, the foreign minister expressed deep concern over the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories caused by Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, resulting in over 250 deaths including dozens of women and children.

"The foreign minister underscored that his visit to New York to attend the UNGA session on Palestine was an expression of Pakistan’s firm and unwavering support to the legitimate cause of the Palestinian people for their right to self-determination," said the FO statement.

It added that the UN secretary general welcomed the recent ceasefire announcement and also expressed the hope that it could help revive efforts for a "negotiated settlement of the Palestinian issue".

During the meeting, the foreign minister also raised the issue of Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) and briefed the UN secretary general on the "serious human rights and humanitarian situation in IoK including continued illegal incarceration of the Kashmiri political leaders and extra-judicial killings".

"The foreign minister said that the re-initiation of the 2003 ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India along the Line of Control was a welcome step. Pakistan desired normal relations with India. However, the onus was on India to take steps to create an enabling environment for a meaningful engagement," said the statement.

He also urged the UN Secretary General to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the UN charter and the relevant UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.

Qureshi further highlighted Pakistan's constructive efforts to facilitate the Afghan peace process and expressed his hope that "the Afghan parties would seize the opportunity and reach an inclusive, politically-negotiated settlement, resulting in lasting peace and security in Afghanistan."

The issue of the rising tide of intolerance, discrimination, violence and Islamophobia against Muslims was also addressed during the meeting between the two and the foreign minister stressed the need for the relevant UN bodies to address the challenge.

He additionally called for effective measures to be taken against the "threat posed by violent nationalist, supremacist, far-right and extreme right wing terrorist groups and ideologies."

 

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Public opinion will turn the tide in Palestinian crisis: PM Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that it is the voice of the thousands of people across the world that will turn the tide in the Palestinian crisis.

"We now have the power of the social media. The public opinion is shifting [in favour of Palestinians]," he said, in a video message broadcast on television.

He paid tribute to the nation for raising their voices for the Palestinian cause in protests today and the way they called out the oppression Palestinians are facing.

"Ever since Israel was created, Pakistan always had the same stance in line with our leader Quaid-e-Azam, that is was a gross injustice towards Palestinians," he said.

He said Pakistan had always stood side by side with Palestinians.

"I was at Masjid-e-Nabvi when I found out that when people were praying on the night of the 27th [of Ramadan, at Al-Aqsa mosque], the Israeli police attacked them," said the prime minister, adding that he also learnt, regrettably, of how Palestinians are being evicted from their homes.

The prime minister also spoke of the bombardment on Gaza by the Israeli military — which he referred to as one of the most powerful forces in the world — that has lead to dozens of children being killed.

He said that the very next day, he met with the secretary general of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and urged him to raise the issue via the platform and also stressed on the need for the matter to be highlighted at the United Nations.

"When I came to Pakistan, I also spoke to King Salman about the oppression Palestinians are facing and about what happened at Al-Aqsa, and how we need to raise our voices for this.

"The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, called me and he said the same thing, and so did Malaysia's Mahathir Mohamad," PM Imran Khan said.

He said that he then spoke to Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas and told him the entire Muslim world, and all those countries that advocate for justice, stand with the Palestinians.

PM Imran Khan said he tasked Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi with raising the issue at the United Nations and the OIC "and he did very well to highlight it".

"I am witnessing a very welcoming sign, which is, that the world's public opinion is shifting," he said, adding that he had never before seen any criticism coming from the Western quarters, in their media, newspapers, or from their politicians, in the past when Israeli oppression against Palestinians would continue unbated.

"Instead it would be made to appear as if Israel is being subjected to cruelty," he said.

PM Imran Khan said it is for the first time now that Western media, newspapers and politicians have begun criticising Israel.

"A big reason for this is social media. If the main media censors it, social media is now a force to be reckoned with. And with this I see that the world's public opinion is shifting," he said.

The prime minister drew a parallel with the South African regime 30 years ago that would discriminate on ethnic grounds and did not consider Africans and Asians as equal citizens. The world's leading powers supported the regime, he said, but later, when the public opinion changed, global powers joined hands to pressure South Africa to give all citizens equal rights.

He said he foresees the same happening with Palestine, where there will be public pressure on Israel to grant Palestinians their rights.

"InshaAllah the day will come when Palestinians will get their own country, a just settlement, and will live as equal citizens. We pray that day comes soon," the premier said.

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‘I won’t represent any other country’ Amir clears baseless rumors

Retired Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir has dismissed rumors of him representing England in the future.

The 29-year-old Amir responded back to critics and said that the people have been ‘obsessed with him getting a UK passport’.

“I have left Pakistan cricket and I won’t represent any other country that’s for sure. I don’t know how can people just assume, who tells them that I’m just leaving tomorrow to play in the Indian Premier League, how is that possible?”, he said in an interview with Cricwick.

“Nothing of this kind is happening. I have a UK residence card as my wife is from there. If you look at players in the past, so many of them had UK passport. I don’t understand why are people getting obsessed with me getting a UK passport. Even if I get a passport from UK, it is my right as my wife is from there, my kids are British and they will study there.”

Remember, last week various media reports highlighted that Amir would be playing for England and then IPL after getting British citizenship.

Amir also took to Twitter and sarcastically took a dig at his critics. He wrote that people enjoy news about him and are still missing Amir. This is what he calls ‘love’

It must be noted that Amir announced his retirement in December 2020 citing he can’t play under the current management led by Misbah-ul-Haq. Since then, he has been regularly playing in franchise leagues all over the world.

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Pakistan officially added to Amazon sellers list

E-commerce giant Amazon has added Pakistan to its sellers’ list, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood said on Friday.

“Today @amazon has confirmed that Pakistan has been added to its Sellers’ List,” he tweeted.

Further to my previous tweet, today @amazon has confirmed that Pakistan has been added to its Sellers’ List. It is a big accomplishment for our E-Commerce & will open up vast opportunities for a new breed of young men & women entrepreneurs. We congratulate everyone involved. pic.twitter.com/iZJxO4q1hB

— Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) May 21, 2021

The PM’s aide said, “It is a big accomplishment for our E-Commerce & will open up vast opportunities for a new breed of young men & women entrepreneurs. We congratulate everyone involved.”

Addressing a press conference earlier this month, Dawood said: “It is a big opportunity. But there are challenges as logistics companies will have to work efficiently and properly to ensure products are delivered in a timely manner.”

“Secondly, we are working on quality assurance and standardization,” he maintained.

Logistics companies have an opportunity to scale up their businesses and develop international partnerships for effective delivery, he said. Pakistan Post is also preparing itself for parcel deliveries, he added.

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Gold rates move up in domestic market

The per tola gold price on Friday registered an increase of Rs 1,900 to Rs 109,500 in the domestic market.

Sharing the price of the precious metal, All Pakistan Jewelers Manufacturers Association Chairman Muhammad Arshad said that the rate of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs 1,628 to Rs 93,875.

In the international market, gold edged up on Friday en route to a third straight weekly gain, supported by a subdued U.S. dollar and Treasury yields as concern receded over tapering by the U.S. Federal Reserve.

Spot gold ticked 0.1% higher to $1,877.70 per ounce by 1158 GMT and was up 1.9% on the week. U.S. gold futures fell 0.2% to $1,878.90, according to Reuters.

Earlier on May 10, gold prices witnessed an upward trend as the per tola price of the precious metal had witnessed an increase of Rs100 to Rs106,100 in the domestic market.

Sharing the price of the precious metal, All Pakistan Jewelers Manufacturers Association Chairman Muhammad Arshad had said that the rate of 10 grams of gold increased by Rs86 to Rs90,963.

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Maradona’s medical team face manslaughter probe over star’s death

Seven people have been placed under formal investigation for manslaughter in Argentina over the November death of footballing legend Diego Maradona.

The accused — who include Maradona’s neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and psychologist Carlos Diaz — potentially face eight to 25 years in prison.

The indictment is based on findings by a board of experts into Maradona’s death from a heart attack last year at the age of 60, a source from the San Isidro Attorney General’s Office, which is leading the investigation, said on Wednesday.

That report concluded that the footballing icon received inadequate medical care and was left to his fate for a “prolonged, agonising period” before his death, which came just weeks after he underwent brain surgery on a blood clot.

“After so many injustices, the case has come full circle,” the source said.

The accused are prohibited from leaving the country and will be questioned by investigators between May 31 and June 14.

The legal proceedings were prompted by a complaint filed by two of Maradona’s five daughters against Luque, who they blamed for their father’s deteriorating condition after the brain surgery.

Prosecutors believe Maradona’s death was not the result of malpractice or negligent actions by his doctors, but that they knew the former Barcelona and Napoli star would die and did nothing to prevent it.

The prosecutors obtained a series of messages and audio that show that the medical team were aware that Maradona was using alcohol, psychiatric medication and marijuana in the final months of his life.

Among the conclusions of the report, the medical board said that “the signs of life risk” shown by Maradona were ignored, and that his care in his final weeks was “plagued by deficiencies and irregularities”.

The recriminations and accusations over Maradona’s death are taking place alongside another case, over his disputed inheritance, involving his five children, his brothers and Matias Morla, his former lawyer.

Maradona is an idol to millions of Argentines after he inspired the South American country to only their second World Cup triumph in 1986.

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Hours into ceasefire deal, Israeli police storm Al Aqsa compound once more

Israeli police storm Al Aqsa mosque compound where Palestinian worshipers had stayed back after Friday prayers to celebrate truce.

A few hours into a ceasefire agreement reached between the Israeli government and Hamas, which governs the Gaza strip, Israeli police were reported to have stormed the compound of the Al-Aqsa mosque once more on Friday.

Several Arab media outlets reported the forces launched tear gas shells and fired rubber bullets.

Al Jazeera journalist Arwa Ibrahim also reported stun grenades being launched at worshipers, "Back to square one?" she asked.

Citing Red Crescent, she said at least 20 people were injured.

Ibrahim shared footage from the compound, showing worshipers scrambling amid loud explosions in the background.

The worshipers had stayed back after Friday prayers to celebrate the truce.

“They were singing and chanting when a contingent of the Israeli police [stationed] next to the compound came into the compound and started using crowd control measures that they use all the time, including stun grenades, smoke bombs and tear gas,” Al Jazeera’s Imran Khan, who was reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, said.

“They started firing in that crowd in an effort to try and disperse them.”

Israeli strikes on Gaza have martyred 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, and have wounded another 1,900, according to the Gaza health ministry.

Vast areas have been reduced to rubble and some 120,000 people have been displaced, according to Hamas authorities.

 

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CM Buzdar assures Tareen group he will address their concerns

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar assured members of the PTI lawmakers who are supporting Jahangir Tareen that he would address their concerns.

The development took place today when Buzdar had hosted a luncheon for the group. A six-member delegation comprising Saeed Akbar Khan Nawani, Ajmal Cheema and Nauman Ahmad Langrial met the chief minister to share their concerns with him.

In response, Buzdar assured the delegation he would address them following which the lawmakers reposed their confidence in the chief minister.

During the meeting, Buzdar said the party was united under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan and told them that his doors are open for them.

"Never do injustice to anyone," he said.

He further said that politics of revenge is not the Punjab government's style, adding that reservations shared by the JKT group will be addressed.

Speaking to media after the meeting, Saeed Nawani said the group discussed all issues with the chief minister, including the upcoming budget.

"We stand with the government and are satisfied with the meeting," he said.

Nawani said the group wanted an impartial inquiry [of cases against Jahangir Traeen] and will accept its outcome. Langrial said the group is a part of the PTI and would remain so.

Sources said Soon after the meeting, the chief minister issued instructions to release development funds for the JKRT group members and directed the bureaucracy to resolve all legal issues.

Sources also said the lawmakers would follow the party discipline and support the government in the budget.

Earlier, PTI MNA Raja Riaz had claimed that CM Buzdar is ready to address the group's reservations.

The development comes just a day after Tareen had announced a separate group in the Punjab Assembly in response to the "revenge tactics" employed against him and his supporters, clarifying that the group is still a part of the party.

The group's parliamentary leader in the Punjab Assembly, Saeed Akbar, is set to address the floor of the house tomorrow and will inform the assembly about the "retaliatory actions" taken against the Tareen group, sources said.

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Chaman blast: Death toll rises to 7, 14 injured

A bomb blast on Friday at a pro-Palestinian rally killed at least seven people and injured 14 in Balochistan's Chaman city, officials said, the latest violence to hit the area.

Senior local police official Ahmad Mohiuddin said explosives were packed into a motorbike parked near the vehicle of a religious leader taking part in the rally.

Pictures from the scene showed broken glass, rubble, and bloodstains.

"It was an improvised explosive device which went off as participants began to disperse," added Tariq Mengal, a senior local administration official.

No group has claimed responsibility.

Thousands of people rallied across Pakistan on Friday in support of Palestinians, hours after a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hamas which governs the Gaza Strip.

The rallies followed Friday prayers which usually draw huge crowds to mosques.

Demonstrators could be seen waving signs that said "Free Palestine", while a major road connecting the capital Islamabad to the neighbouring city Rawalpindi was blocked.

Friday's Chaman blast comes just weeks after a suicide bombing in Quetta at a luxury hotel where the Chinese ambassador was being hosted.

 

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PM inaugurates Kanupp-2 Nuclear Power Plant

Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Friday inaugurated 1,100 megawatts Karachi Nuclear Power Plant (Kanupp-2)The inaugural ceremony was held in Beijing and Islamabad simultaneously.

Addressing the ceremony, PM Khan expressed happiness over the inauguration of the 1,100-megawatts Nuclear Power Plant project in Karachi with the help of China.

Energy is important for Pakistan and such projects in the era of global warming are like ‘blessing’, he said.

He said the power plant will help in educating the youth technically.

The premier said Pakistan and China are enjoying strong bilateral relations, which are strengthening more with the passage of time.

The 1,100 megawatts Kanupp-2 nuclear power plant has been inaugurated on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and China.

The first nuclear power plant, Kanupp-1, was started in 1960s, whereas, the new reactor unit is established after almost 60 years.

He added that K-2 nuclear power plant will run through G3 technology that has been established with the assistance of China.

The federal government has approved the plans for the 2.2 gigawatts (GW) capacity extension of Pakistan’s first nuclear power plant in Karachi by establishing two 1.1 GW reactor units including Kanupp-2 and Kanupp-3.

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3 JF-17 Thunder jets handed over to Nigeria

Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra on Friday handed over three JF-17 Thunder jets to Nigeria, News reported, quoting Pakistan Air Force (PAF) spokesperson.

The JF-17 is a state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, featured with outstanding flight performance and strong operational capability.

The graceful ceremony was held at Makudri, Air Base, to mark the 57th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force. The ceremony was attended by the defense minister of Nigeria as a special guest. Vice chief of the PA, Air Marshal, Syed Noman Ali also attended the ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, the Nigerian defense minister thanked Pakistan for handing over aircraft and stated that modern JF-17 Thunder jets will help in increasing the capacity of the Nigerian air force.

Read more: JF-17 Thunder captivates onlookers at Paris Air Show

Air Marshal Noman said Pakistan and Nigeria are enjoying historical bilateral ties. The inclusion of JF-17 Thunder jets into the Nigerian air force will ultimately enhance its capabilities, he added.

Three JF-17 jets were handed over to Nigeria by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex as per the order schedule.

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Israel and Hamas announce Gaza ceasefire

Israel and Hamas will cease fire across the Gaza Strip border as of Friday, the Palestinian side and Egyptian state TV said, bringing a potentially tenuous halt to fiercest Israeli violence in years.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said his security cabinet had voted unanimously in favour of a “mutual and unconditional” Gaza truce proposed by Egypt, but added that the hour of implementation had yet to be agreed.

Hamas said the ceasefire would be “mutual and simultaneous”.

“The Palestinian resistance will abide by this agreement as long as the Occupation (Israel) does the same,” Taher Al-Nono, media adviser to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, told Reuters.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had ordered two security delegations into Israel and the Palestinian Territories to work towards upholding the ceasefire, Egyptian state TV reported.

In a televised speech Abu Ubaida, spokesman of the Hamas armed wing, said: “With the help of God, we were able to humiliate the enemy, its fragile entity and its savage army.”

He threatened Hamas rocket fire that would reach throughout Israel if it violated the truce or struck Gaza before the hour of implementation.

Since the Israeli violence began on May 10, health officials in Gaza said 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, had been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments.

The United Nations said its Middle East envoy, Tor Wennesland, was in Qatar on Thursday as part of truce efforts.

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Pakistan welcomes ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Pakistan has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that ended violence in Gaza, reported.

Foreign Minister (FM) Shah Mahmood Qureshi in his Tweet, welcoming the ceasefire announcement said that this is the power of collective action.

Pakistan welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire.

This is the power of collective, unified action; this is the effort of every person and every nation, together for a just cause. May this ceasefire be the 1st step towards peace in Palestine.

— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) May 20, 2021

 

He prayed this may this ceasefire be the first step towards peace in Palestine.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a meeting with his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal Bin Farhan al Saud in New York.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire across the Gaza Strip border on Friday, the Palestinian side and Egyptian state TV said.

Read more: Israel and Hamas announce Gaza ceasefire

Since the Israeli violence began on May 10, health officials in Gaza said 232 Palestinians, including 65 children, had been killed and more than 1,900 wounded in aerial bombardments.

The United Nations said its Middle East envoy, Tor Wennesland, was in Qatar on Thursday as part of truce efforts.

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Kuwaiti protesters burn Israeli flag, reject normalisation deals

Hundreds of Kuwaitis demonstrated on Wednesday in support of Palestinians and burned an Israeli flag to protest at the bombardment of Gaza after authorities allowed the rally to proceed despite coronavirus restrictions.

Protesters, who were only granted access to a main square on foot to limit numbers, chanted “Death to Israel” and held banners rejecting normalisation accords.

“We send a message to our friends in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries that any normalisation with the Zionists will not help. It helps the killer against the Palestinian people,” said 43-year-old Osama al-Zaid, a Kuwaiti political activist.

Israeli aerial bombardments of Gaza have killed 227 people in the 10-day violence.

Hamas began firing rockets on May 10 in retaliation after Israeli rights abuses against Palestinians in Jerusalem and following Israeli police’s torture on worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“Palestine and Al-Aqsa are in our hearts. We absolutely refuse it (normalisation),” said 30-year-old Kuwaiti employee Zahraa Habeeb.

Other protesters, who included dozens of expatriates, chanted slogans calling for rocket attacks on Tel Aviv.

Kuwait, which launched a relief campaign for Palestinians this week, prevented a similar rally, citing COVID-19 concerns.

Gulf states have condemned what they called flagrant Israeli violations of Palestinian rights and called for a halt to hostilities.

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In PTI govt's success, opposition sees its political death: PM Imran

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that the opposition feared the PTI-led government's success and thus started claiming from day one that the government had failed because it could foresee its "political death".

Addressing the virtual groundbreaking ceremony of Balochistan's Naukundi-Mashkhel road in Islamabad, the premier said his government's opponents and the "mafias" did not worry about the government's failure but feared its success.

He added that the first time the PTI had formed government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it had been a coalition government and the province did not usually give a second attempt to political parties. Yet when the next election came the PTI returned with a two-thirds majority and its opponents were in a very "bad state". "All of you can see what their conditions are today," he said of the opposition.

"They have the same fear here in all of Pakistan since our government came at the federal level.

"They're all afraid now of us becoming successful hence they start making noise from the first day that the government has failed because it is their wish for failure [of the government] because they see their political death," said the premier.

Prime Minister Imran said he wanted to see "all these big mafias being brought under the ambit of the law" by the end of his government's five years and for rule of law to be established in the country.

He termed this struggle for the law as his "first objective", saying his second goal was to lift Pakistan's weak segments as never done before in the country. The premier said that a great nation was made on the basis of two things: rule of law and a "system of humanity" or a welfare state as established in the State of Madina.

He compared China and India, saying the former had pursued accountability and brought the powerful under the law while also raising its poor segment up which explained the present gap between the two countries.

Speaking of his government's efforts for the welfare of the poor, the prime minister cited the initiatives such as medical insurance through health cards, reducing the disparity between English- and Urdu-medium education through the Single National Curriculum, constructing 'Panahgahs' (shelter homes) for labourers and mobile food trucks for distribution of meals in poor areas.

He said the incentives the government had given for industries and large-scale manufacturing had contributed to growth, development and employment opportunities.

"[With] the agricultural reforms we are doing ... you will see we will change the lives of farmers," he told the ceremony. "The biggest way to reduce poverty is helping small-scale farmers."

Prime Minister Imran said data would soon be collected of poor households in all of Pakistan and direct subsidies would be provided to them through the Ehsaas programme due to increase in the prices of wheat, sugar, electricity, etc.

Highlighting the importance of the Naukundi-Mashkhel road, the premier said: "This is a road which will have a great impact on Pakistan in the long term."

He said Balochistan had been left behind in development and thus bringing connectivity was not only important for Pakistan's future but also to "strengthen our federation".

 

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UNGA must demand cessation of Israeli hostilities, if Security Council fails to do so: Qureshi

Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday called upon the United Nations General Assembly to "assume its own responsibility" and push the Security Council to demand a cessation of Israeli hostilities if the Council fails to do so on its own.

Qureshi was addressing the 67th plenary meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to highlight Israeli atrocities against Palestinians on Thursday.

"There are times in history when decisions of nations are remembered by posterity. This is one such moment," Qureshi said, as he began his address.

"What we do today or cannot do will be recorded in history. Driven by arrogance and emboldened by impunity, Israel has mounted a relentless onslaught on the occupied and beleaguered people of Palestine," he said.

He said that one week of Israeli attacks have led to more than 250 Palestinians being martyred and thousands injured — one third of which are women and children.

"Death echoes in every home in Gaza," Qureshi said, to lay stress on the gravity of the situation. He also recalled one such tragedy, in which ten members of the Abu Hattab family had perished in Israeli strikes.

"Hundreds of such tragedies are being enacted every hour in Gaza and other parts of the Palestinian territories. So far over 50,000 Palestinians have fled their homes in Gaza," he said, adding that these people have very poor and limited access to water, food, hygiene and health services.

The foreign minister said hospitals and sanitation services rely on electricity but fuel for power plants "has almost run out".

"Gaza has plunged in darkness [...] the only light is that of Israeli explosions," he said.

Qureshi said such is the existence of Palestine, where "in full view of the world Israeli airstrikes bring down entire buildings to kill and terrorise innocent Palestinians and even silence the media".

"It is time to say enough. The voice of the Palestinian people cannot and will not be silenced," he said.

The foreign minister said the representatives of the Islamic world are there to speak with and for Palestine.

He said it is "appalling" that the United Nations Security Council has been unable to do what it is tasked with — to maintain international peace and security. He said it has even failed to demand a cessation of hostilities, and warned that those preventing it from doing so "bear a heavy responsibility".

He said the United Nations General Assembly, must then, assume its own responsibility. "We must not fail the Palestinian people at this critical juncture."

"Our first priority must be to halt the Israeli aggression. I hope that even at this eleventh hour, the Security Council will call for a cessation of Israeli attacks. If it fails to do so, the General Assembly must make this demand on behalf of the entire international community," he said.

He said there is no moral or military equivalence between the two sides. Whereas Palestinians have no army, navy or airforce, "the Israeli war machine is one of the most powerful in the world".

"This is a war between a military occupier and an occupied people. It is a conflict between illegal occupation and a legitimate struggle for self determination," he said.

Qureshi then drew attention to the General Assembly resolution 2647 of November 1970, which speaks of the right to self determination.

He also urged for the need to mobilise all possible humanitarian help for the devastated Palestinian population in Gaza and other parts of the occupied territories, including medical teams, medicines and other supplied, food and other necessities.

The foreign minister said Pakistan welcomes Egypt opening access to Gaza and Israel should also open all access points to ensure the timely and urgent delivery of international assistance.

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UN chief Antonio Guterres calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Thursday slammed Israel and Palestinian for the "unacceptable" crossfire between them, as he told the UN General Assembly that "the fighting must stop immediately".

"I am deeply shocked by the continued air and artillery bombardment by the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza," Secretary-General Guterres said of the salvos that have killed more than 200 Palestinians, including 60 children.

He added that the "indiscriminate firing of rockets by Hamas and other groups" towards population centres in Israel — which have left 12 dead, including two children — was "also unacceptable."

"If there is a hell on earth, it is the lives of children in Gaza," he said.

The General Assembly meeting was requested by Niger and Algeria, respectively, the current chairs of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab Group at the United Nations.

"It is imperative that we achieve de-escalation, to prevent an uncontainable crossborder security and humanitarian crisis," Guterres said, calling for the "resumption of negotiations" pursuing "a two-state solution on the basis of the 1967 lines."

On Wednesday, the 10th day of deadly violence between Israel and armed Palestinian groups in Gaza, a spokesperson for the Secretary-General said Guterres had had contact with Palestinians and officials in the Middle East, but not yet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Denouncing airstrike damage to "several hospitals," the UN chief also called the levelling of media offices as well as the killing of a journalist in Gaza "extremely concerning."

"I am deeply distressed by damage to United Nations facilities in Gaza," he said. "United Nations premises are inviolable, including during armed conflict. Humanitarian installations must be respected and protected."

He said an appeal for humanitarian aid donations would launch "as soon as possible," specifying that the UN would release $14 million from the Humanitarian Fund for the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

"There is no justification, including counterterrorism or self-defence, for the abdication by the parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law," Guterres said.

"I am also deeply concerned by the continuation of violent clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians groups across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where several Palestinian families are under the threat of eviction."

A years-long bid by Israeli settlers to take over Palestinian homes is among the origins of the escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas that began May 10.

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Punjab challenges Supreme Court’s restoration of local councils

The Punjab government has challenged the Supreme Court’s restoration of the local councils in the province, reported on Thursday.The province has filed a preliminary review petition against the apex court’s March 25 verdict.

The provincial government will file a comprehensive appeal in the top court within few days.

A new local government law has been on the anvil in Punjab, which will empower the local representatives, according to the petition.

The restoration of the 2016 local councils will create problems, the government argued in its petition.

The Supreme Court had restored the local government system in Punjab on March 25, by terming the Local Bodies Act 2019 in contradiction with the Constitution of Pakistan.

The Punjab Local Government Act 2019 was passed by the provincial legislature in May, 2019.

A bench of the Supreme Court headed by CJP Justice Gulzar Ahmed, terming section three of the Local Bodies Act in contradiction of the constitution, ordered to restore the local government system in Punjab.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed questioned the rationale behind winding up the local councils in Punjab.

The applicant had pleaded to the court that the local government system was terminated before its due time in December 2021.

The court after hearing arguments from both sides, had ordered to restore local councils by terming section three of the Local Bodies Act in contravention with the constitution of Pakistan.

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PCB gets approval to hold remaining PSL 6 matches in Abu Dhabi

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Thursday it has received all “outstanding approvals and exemptions” from the UAE government for holding the remaining 20 HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Abu Dhabi.

The PCB will now hold an online meeting with the six franchise owners later in the day to update them about the progress made as well as to finalise all details, which will be shared in due course, a statement issued by the board read.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said, “We are delighted with this development as the remaining hurdles in the staging of the remaining HBL PSL 6 matches in Abu Dhabi have been overcome and all systems are now good to go.”

“We are grateful to the UAE government, National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their support and patronage in ensuring all final obstacles were removed, which has firmly put us in a position to complete our marquee event.”

“The PCB, in consultation with the team owners, will now work at pace to finalise all event-related arrangements, details of which will be shared in due course,” the PCB pointed out.

“The holding of the remaining matches in Abu Dhabi will allow our fans to once again follow and support their favourite players and teams through our high-quality broadcast coverage of one of the most competitive cricket leagues in the world.”

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Process of auctioning former PM Nawaz Sharif’s property underway

Following the orders of an accountability court, the process of auctioning Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo and Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s seized Sheikhupura property is underway.

The auction started at Rs7 million per acre. The 88-Kanal land of the ex-premier is being sold as a recovery in the Toshakhana reference. The first man interested in the bidding submitted Rs1 million cheque to the auction committee as a call deposit.

The auction is currently underway at the Municipal Hall of Sheikhupura under the supervision of the additional DC.

Meanwhile, a resident, Ashraf, who claims to be the owner of the land being auctioned has also reached the municipal hall and added that he had bought the land and the matter is currently undertrial in the civil court.

Yesterday, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had rejected former prime minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s petitions seeking court directives for stopping the auction of his properties.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) bench comprising Justice Amir Farooq and Justice Tariq Mehmood had declared the ousted prime minister’s petitions inadmissible.

During the course of the proceeding, the court had directed the petitioner to approach the concerned forum.

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Senior politician Chaudhry Nisar likely to take oath as Punjab MPA

Punjab MPA Chaudhry Nisar has decided to take oath after three years, sources told on Thursday.

The step is reportedly being taken as the government is expected to pass an ordinance that will cancel the membership of all lawmakers who haven’t taken oaths after their election.

It may be recalled that the Cabinet Committee on Legislation had passed an amendment to the Election Act 2017, according to which a seat will become vacant if the elected representative does not take oath within 60 days

Chaudhry Nisar, who contested as an independent candidate in the general elections from NA-59 and NA-63, lost to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

According to election results, Nisar lost to PTI’s Ghulam Sarwar Khan who got 89,055 votes in NA-59 while former interior minister Ch Nisar Ali Khan got 66,369 votes.

He lost to PTI’s Ghulam Sarwar Khan in NA-63 as well. Ghulam Sarwar won with 64,301 votes while Ch Nisar stood second with 48,497 votes. PMLN’s Sardar Mumtaz Khan stood third with 22,475 votes.

However, he won his provincial assembly seat but did not take an oath on it.

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Saudi Arabia asks airlines to register traveller immunisation data

Saudi Arabia has launched an online portal for airlines operating in the kingdom to register immunisation data for all foreigners travelling to the Gulf Arab state, the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) said on Wednesday.

The portal will facilitate procedures upon arrival in the kingdom and link visitors’ data with the Saudi mobile app that tracks coronavirus cases, it said.

As of May 20, non-citizens arriving from eligible countries who are fully vaccinated against or recently recovered from COVID-19 will no longer be required to quarantine in designated government hotels.

This applies to residents, government and business travellers or those visiting friends and family, but not to foreign tourists, according to the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).

STA Chief Executive Fahd Hamidaddin told Reuters on Monday that the kingdom would soon reopen to foreign tourists without specifying when exactly this year.

Saudi Arabia liberalised its tourism industry in 2019, making it easier for foreigners to apply for tourist visas to the kingdom, which had been relatively closed off for decades.

The Gulf state is targeting 100 million annual visits by 2030, up from about 40 million a year before the pandemic, for tourism to account for 10% of gross domestic product, up from 3% in 2019, by 2030.

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PM Imran inaugurates Labour Complex project for industrial workers in Peshawar

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday inaugurated a residential project for industrial workers in Peshawar during his visit to the city’s Shahi Bala area.

The prime minister was accompanied by Chief Minister KP Mahmood Khan during the inauguration of Labour Complex Shahi Bala. The project of the KP government will provide flats to 2056 families of industrial workers registered with the provincial government after a balloting process.

A quota of three percent is set aside for widows and two percent for differently-abled people in the project, which would also have a school comprising 30 classrooms.

The prime minister while addressing the inauguration ceremony said that it is for the first time that housing facilities are provided to the labour class. “These flats could be acquired by paying an amount equivalent to rent paid by a common man,” he said.

Imran Khan said that it was the responsibility of the state to support underprivileged segments of the society and after completion of their five years, he would like to revisit how much they have been able to lift these segments.

“A UNDP report highlighted that KP witnessed improvement in poverty index from 2013, with most among any province witnessing people going beyond the poverty line,” he said.

He said that the law was equal for all and mafias are trying to get NRO from him, however, they would not succeed in their efforts. “I will never give NRO to them,” he said and vowed to bring them under the accountability net.

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Separate group formed after Punjab govt’s action against my supporters: Tareen

Estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen said Wednesday that his supporters had decided to form a separate group after the Punjab government initiated "revenge actions" against his supporters.

Tareen, however, quickly denied reports he was forming a forward bloc in the party. "We were part of the PTI, we are part of the PTI and we will continue to remain part of the PTI," he announced outside the banking court where he had appeared for a hearing.

Tareen was accompanied by his supporters, who include Punjab government ministers and other lawmakers of the PTI.

"There is no investigation against me going on relating to the sugar scandal," he said, adding that the three FIRs registered against him were not filed in any sugar inquiry.

Tareen said his "supporters" were standing with him as far as, what he referred to as the "fake" FIR against him, adding that the pro-Tareen group had met the prime minister.

Speaking about the inquiry into his allegations led by Barrister Ali Zafar, Tareen said he had met him and had given a detailed explanation to him as well.

"I am confident the report will be given to the prime minister soon," he said.

The PTI leader said there was "another issue" that needed to be addressed.

"Khan sahab is an honourable man and I believe he is just," said Tareen. "However, the Punjab government has started taking vendetta against members of my group," he added.

He accused the Punjab government of transferring officers of the ministers that were loyal to Tareen, "left, right and centre", and were putting pressure on them.

The estranged PTI leader said the pro-Tareen group had, as a result, decided to "raise their voices against this in the Punjab Assembly".

Tareen said members of his group had decided to nominate MPA Saeed Akbar Niwani to "lead the discussions" against the alleged revenge tactics of the Punjab government, in the assembly.

He blamed the media for making a huge deal about the news.

He urged the Punjab government to "stop with their actions", adding that the lawmakers who are part of the Tareen group are "your MPAs and you [Buzdar] became the chief minister by their votes".

In response to a question, Tareen said the Punjab government had taken revenge from members of his group in other matters as well but he would rather not go into details of it.

Answering another question, he said Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar should not seek a vote of confidence after his dissident group emerged.

"We haven't left the party, we are still part of it," he reiterated.

When a reporter asked Tareen that some lawmakers of his group had said they would not let the Punjab government pass its budget, he responded:

"It is every individual's right to express his or her opinion. The group will take decisions [taking into account everyone's opinions]," he added.

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PSL owners warn of postponement if clarity not given by Thursday

The Pakistan Super League (PCL) franchise owners warned on Wednesday that if they do not receive clarity from the UAE government regarding the remaining PSL matches then they will postpone the tournament.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the franchise owners held a virtual discussion on the "operational planning and delivery" of the remaining 20 PSL matches. As per plan, they are scheduled to be held in the UAE from June 1-20.

The PCB said that all the parties after holding "detailed discussions" unanimously agreed to wait until the close of business on Thursday (UAE time) before making a final decision on the hosting of the remaining matches.

PCB CEO Wasim Khan said that in the meeting the cricket's governing body in Pakistan "updated the team owners that the PCB had been advised that the PSL had received approvals from the relevant authorities in the UAE".

He added that they were also told that they await "some clarifications on certain exemption requests" from the UAE. He added that those requests are expected to come through at "some stage on Thursday".

“The team owners agreed that if we do not receive clarity by Thursday afternoon, then they’ll have no other option but to request postponement of the remaining 20 matches," said Wasim.

The PCB CEO said that in the meantime, the board will "continue to liaise with the UAE government and the Emirates Cricket Board". He added that both are "equally keen for the event to be held in the UAE".

 

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NCOC allows staggered reopening of educational institutes, outdoor dining from May 24

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday announced the lifting of a number of restrictions imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus in the country, including the staggered reopening of educational institutions in districts where the positivity rate is less than five per cent and resumption of outdoor dining.

Earlier in the day, the NCOC reviewed the existing non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in a meeting chaired by Minister for Planning and Development and NCOC head Asad Umar.

The meeting was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health (SAPM) Dr Faisal Sultan, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho as well as all the chief secretaries of all provinces, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

According to a press release issued after the meeting:

Outdoor restaurants will be opened daily till 11:59pm while takeaway will be allowed 24/7 from May 24.

Tourism sector will be reopened under strict Covid-19 protocols from May 24.

Educational institutes in districts with less than five per cent positivity rate will be reopened from May 24.

Outdoor marriage ceremonies will be allowed with a maximum of 150 people from June 1.

Elective surgeries will be reopened from June 1.

Educational institutes in all districts will be reopened in a staggered manner from June 7.

All matric and intermediate exams will be held after June 20. All professional and non-professional exams will take place on a case-to-case basis as recommended by the Ministry of Education.

However, certain restrictions will remain in place. These are:

All shrines, cinemas, amusement parks and indoor gyms will remain closed. Tracks for walking and jogging will be allowed to remain open with strict adherence to SOPs.

Indoor dining will remain closed.

All contact sports, festivals, cultural, musical and other events will be banned.

All types of indoor and outdoor gatherings, including religious events will be banned.

Inter-provincial public transport will remain suspended on the weekends from May 22.

In its meeting, the NCOC also decided to reopen the Gadani and Misri Shah industries from May 20. The forum urged compliance on wearing masks and said broader lockdowns would be implemented with stringent enforcement protocols based on risk assessment.

Meanwhile, the current policies for inbound travel and Land Border Management would continue, the release stated.

The NCOC said a detailed review of the NPIs would be held on May 27 and June 7, adding that monitoring of disease prevalence and critical healthcare system was being carried out daily. "Necessary steps will be taken accordingly, whenever deemed appropriate to control the disease spread," the forum said.

Umar urges vaccination

Earlier today, Umar cautioned that while restrictions were being relaxed, there were still 4,500 Covid-19 patients in hospitals on oxygen. "If we immediately try to open a lot of things then God forbid, [it might happen] that we have to close everything again as we saw in the region."

He made the comments while speaking to the media after inaugurating a mass vaccination centre in Islamabad.

"We have to reach our vaccination targets," stressed the minister, adding that the quicker Pakistanis got themselves vaccinated, the sooner it would be possible for the government to lift restrictions and for "us to go towards the normal conditions that we want".

Umar said very "frightening scenes" had been witnessed in the region which were previously seen in Europe and the United States and thanked the people and administrative teams, police, district administrations and the NCOC team for working during the Eidul Fitr holidays.

"Eid passed safely and the little concern there was of disease spread at the time ... there has been a lot of improvement in that," he said, adding however, that "it is necessary to say that the increase in the spread of the disease has stopped but the disease has not been eliminated."

He again urged people to get themselves vaccinated, saying vaccine supply was adequate with more doses to come in the future and vaccination centres being opened all over Pakistan. Umar also called upon political leaders irrespective of party affiliation to take the lead in vaccination campaigns and own them.

"This is Pakistan's and the whole country's campaign, not any political party's campaign so it is my appeal to all political leaders to move forward and lead this campaign personally."

Umar provided details of the capacity of the inaugurated vaccination centre and said that 7,000 people could get vaccinated daily and it would have 75 vaccination counters along with 100 trained staff to administer vaccines.

A day earlier, data showed that the number of active cases of Covid-19 decreased by 25pc.

According to data, there were 68,223 active cases as of May 17, which was around 25pc fewer as the number had surpassed the 90,000 mark by the end of last month.

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Court to indict Saleem Mandviwalla, others on May 24 in Kidney Hills reference

An accountability court in Islamabad on Wednesday has decided to indict former Senate deputy chairman Saleem Mandviwalla and others in Kidney Hills reference on May 24.

The accountability court’s judge Muhammad Bashir resumed the heard the reference. The PPP leader Saleem Mandviwalla did not appear before the court, while former PIA managing director Aijaz Haroon appeared before the court.

The court, while rejecting the pleas of Mandviwalla, Aijaz Haroon, and Abdul Ghani’s acquittal from the reference, fixed May 24 for the indictment.

The accused have been directed to ensure their presence before the court on the date of the indictment.

A co-accused Nadeem Hakim submitted his plea through the counsel to the accountability court to seek exemption from personal appearance in the hearing.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had filed a reference against ex-Senate Deputy Chairman Saleem Mandviwalla in an illegal land allotments case on January 13.

The anti-graft watchdog in its reference stated the accused sold government plots to Abdul Ghani Majeed – son of Omni Group chief Anwar Majeed.

According to NAB, Mandviwalla had purchased fake shares in the name of his frontman by selling the plots.

The national graft buster had also submitted a report to the court which stated that former PIA managing director Aijaz Haroon had also played a key role in selling illegal plots to Abdul Ghani Majeed.

The NAB had nominated Saleem Mandviwalla, Aijaz Haroon, Abdul Ghani Majeed and Tariq Mehmood as offenders in the reference.

 

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Separate group formed after Punjab govt’s action against my supporters: Tareen

Estranged PTI leader Jahangir Tareen said Wednesday that his supporters had decided to form a separate group after the Punjab government initiated "revenge actions" against his supporters.

Tareen, however, quickly denied reports he was forming a forward bloc in the party. "We were part of the PTI, we are part of the PTI and we will continue to remain part of the PTI," he announced outside the banking court where he had appeared for a hearing.
Tareen was accompanied by his supporters, who include Punjab government ministers and other lawmakers of the PTI.

"There is no investigation against me going on relating to the sugar scandal," he said, adding that the three FIRs registered against him were not filed in any sugar inquiry.

Tareen said his "supporters" were standing with him as far as, what he referred to as the "fake" FIR against him, adding that the pro-Tareen group had met the prime minister.

Speaking about the inquiry into his allegations led by Barrister Ali Zafar, Tareen said he had met him and had given a detailed explanation to him as well.

"I am confident the report will be given to the prime minister soon," he said.

 

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LHC seeks Govt reply over Shehbaz Sharif’s contempt petition

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday summoned reply from the federal government on May 26 over a petition of Shehbaz Sharif seeking compliance of the court orders, reported.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president Shehbaz Sharif on Monday filed a contempt of court plea in the LHC for not allowing him to travel abroad.

The bench while issuing notice to the federal government ordered the Deputy Attorney General to appear before the court after getting instructions from the government.

Earlier, the government lawyer opposed the plea of Shehbaz Sharif. “If the petitioner’s name has been in the exit control list (ECL),” the bench questioned. “The court’s decision has been implemented,” government lawyer said.

The court asked the counsel of Shehbaz Sharif to challenge the ECL law in the court. The lawyer replied, The issue is compliance of the court order”. The learned court demand reply over the matter to clear the situation”.

The Lahore High Court had granted one-time permission to the opposition leader to travel abroad for medical treatment, but he was offloaded by the FIA immigration authorities.

The opposition leader made the federal government and Director General Federal Investigation Agency (DG-FIA) Wajid Zia the respondent in his plea.

The plea filed through Amjad Pervez and Azam Nazir Tarar advocates in the LHC stated that Shehbaz Sharif was allowed by the high court to travel abroad for treatment, but he was stopped at the airport by the FIA immigration counter.

The LHC has been asked to initiate contempt of court proceedings against the officials for not complying with the court orders.

The Lahore High Court in its conditional permission allowed Shahbaz Sharif to go abroad from May 08 to July 05. The court in its six-page written order said that Shehbaz could not be barred from travelling abroad even if his name is on the blacklist. His name is currently not on the ECL, the court had said in its order while adjourning the hearing of the case for July 05.

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Court Extends interim bail of Jahangir Tareen and Ali Tareen till May 31

A Lahore sessions court has extended the interim bail of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen and his son Ali Tareen in money laundering case till May 31.

Additional Sessions Judge Hamid Hussain heard the interim bail of Jahangir Tareen and Ali Tareen.

The PTI leader along with his son appeared before the court. The judge asked the FIA ​​officer about the status of the inquiry. “The investigation was ongoing and we were reviewing the record,” the FIA officer replied.

Lawyer of Jahangir Tareen told the court that his clients are completely cooperating with the FIA in the investigation. AC Judge Hamid Hussain directed the FIA to complete the inquiry on the next hearing of the case and remarked no extra time would be given in this context.

Later, the court extended the interim bail of Jahangir and Ali Tareen until May 31.

Talking to media men outside the court, Jahangir Khan Tareen said his like-minded group is not a forward bloc while stressing that he is still a part of PTI and will remain.

He said that the like-minded group was established three months ago and ruled out impression of forward bloc to assert pressure on the government.

The PTI leader went on to say that he has submitted a complete money trail to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). He complained that his like-minded group is being treated inappropriately by the Punjab government.

Jahangir Tareen demanded the provincial government to stop politics of revenge against his group.

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Corona claims 104 lives in pakistan within a day

Coronavirus has claimed 104 more lives across Pakistan over the past 24 hours, taking the overall death toll to 19,856, reported on Wednesday.

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), 3,256 new COVID-19 infections were reported during the said period. Overall 886,184 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the country so far.
With 4,440 recovering their health from the COVID-19, the overall number of recovered people stands at 799,951. The positivity ratio was recorded at 7.79 percent in the last 24 hours.

As many as 41,771 tests were conducted to diagnose coronavirus in the past 24 hours. The total number of tests currently stands at 12,552,339.

4,549 patients are said to be critical.

As many as 131,047 anti-COVID jabs were administered during the last 24 hours. The total number of fully vaccinated people is recorded at 964,227, while 1,966,837 have been partially vaccinated.

Punjab reported the most 329,913 cases followed by Sindh with 301,247 infections, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported 127,609 infections, while Balochistan has registered 24,064 coronavirus cases since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country.

The federal capital, according to NCOC, reported 79,552 cases and federally administered areas including Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) witnessed 5,439 / 18,360 respectively.

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China bans financial, payment institutions from cryptocurrency business

China has banned financial institutions and payment companies from providing services related to cryptocurrency transactions, and warned investors against speculative crypto trading.

Under the ban, such institutions, including banks and online payments channels, must not offer clients any service involving cryptocurrency, such as registration, trading, clearing and settlement, three industry bodies said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

“Recently, crypto currency prices have skyrocketed and plummeted, and speculative trading of cryptocurrency has rebounded, seriously infringing on the safety of people’s property and disrupting the normal economic and financial order,” they said in the statement.

China has banned crypto exchanges and initial coin offerings but has not barred individuals from holding cryptocurrencies.

The institutions must not provide saving, trust or pledging services of cryptocurrency, nor issue financial product related to cryptocurrency, the statement also said.

The statement also highlighted the risks of cryptocurrency trading, saying vitural currencies “are not supported by real value”, their prices are easily manipulated, and trading contracts are not protected by Chinese law.

The three industry bodies are: the National Internet Finance Association of China, the China Banking Association and the Payment and Clearing Association of China.

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No shortage of Sinopharm vaccine: Dr Faisal

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan dismissed on Tuesday reports regarding the shortage of the Sinopharm vaccine.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the prime minister’s aide said reports about the non-availability of Sinopharm vaccine were “baseless” and assured that it was the health authorities’ priority to administer the vaccine’s second dose to persons who had received a Sinopharm shot the first time.

However, he explained, since the Sinopharm vaccine may be reserved for second doses in case of a shortage, those visiting a vaccination centre for their first dose may be administered another vaccine.

“The priority will always be that a person is administered both the doses of the same vaccine,” Dr Sultan said, adding that significant measures had been taken for the purpose.

He also rejected reports regarding the side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine, terming them “misinformation” and “misleading”.

“The vaccine is in use in a number of countries in Europe and outside it,” he said, giving the example of Australia, Ireland and South Korea, among others.

Dr Sultan added that there were very few side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine and cases of clotting due to it were a rare occurrence.

Even then, to further reduce the chances of clotting because of the vaccine, it would be administered only to persons above the age of 40, the prime minister’s aide said.

He further stated that the number of case s of vaccine side effects had been “negligible” — just 4,329 against 3.8 million doses administered thus far in Pakistan.

And almost all of these side effects have been “mild and expected,” he said, adding that 90 per cent of the cases pertained to pain at the site of injection and fever.

He said six of the cases, which seemed serious, had been investigated and all were found to be coincidental and not caused by Covid-19 vaccines.

Dr Sultan had also shared this information on Twitter earlier in the day.

He urged people to get vaccinated and assured that the government would continue to procure Covid-19 vaccine doses so that the vaccination process continued unhampered.

“The more people are vaccinated, the higher will be the chances of life returning back to normal.”

The prime minister’s aide also appealed to citizens to follow coronavirus-related standard operating procedures and share information only from trusted and authentic sources, such as the National Command and Operation Centre’s (NCOC's) website, the health ministry’s website and verified social media accounts.

The NCOC on Tuesday said that as many as 964,227 people have been fully vaccinated in Pakistan. This includes the 131,047 people who were vaccinated in the last 24 hours. A total of 3,836,291 vaccine doses have been administered in the country so far, it added.

Pakistan has reported 882,928 coronavirus cases so far, of whom 19,752 patients have died due to complications arising from the virus.

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Federal cabinet decides to send medical aid to Palestine

In a bid to mitigate the sufferings of Palestinians, the federal cabinet meeting on Tuesday decided to send medical aid to Palestine on humanitarian grounds.

The cabinet meeting, which was presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan, also discussed the current situation in Palestine and condemned the Israeli aggression in Gaza.

Later briefing the media persons about the decisions taken in the federal cabinet meeting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhary Fawad Hussain said Prime Minister Imran Khan has provided leadership to the Muslim Ummah from day one on the Palestine issue.

The Information Minister said the Palestinian leadership also acknowledges Pakistan’s firm stance on the matter. Fawad Hussain said the nation will observe solidarity day with the Palestinians on Friday.

He said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is in Turkey and he along with some other foreign ministers of the Muslim countries will go to New York to attend the UN General Assembly session.

The minister said the federal cabinet was also briefed about the investigation into Rawalpindi Ring Road project. He said the preliminary investigation reveals that the alignment of the project was changed to benefit some housing societies.

Referring to electoral reforms, the information minister said the government is committed to introduce electronic voting machines to ensure transparency in elections and give the right of vote to overseas Pakistanis. He regretted that the opposition is not serious in electoral reforms and the PML-N and the PPP have not made their position clear on the right to franchise to overseas Pakistanis.

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Balochistan postpones annual examinations of FA, FSc

Amid the third wave of coronavirus in the province, the Balochistan government on Tuesday postponed the annual examination of FA and FSc.

The intermediate examinations were scheduled to take place on May 25, which now have been postponed. According to the control examination Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Balochistan, the examinations have been postponed due to the third wave of the coronavirus.

It was further stated that the examination can be held in the month of June but the final date in this context will be announced later.

It is to be noted that educational institutions across the country are closed until May 23 to contain virus spread.

On March 18, the federal government had postponed all examinations including those of boards and the Cambridge system till June 1 due to the situation that emerged after coronavirus.

This was announced by Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood while addressing a news conference in Islamabad.

The education minister had said the foreign institutions, as well as domestic boards, are bound to implement the government’s decisions. He said if the situation improves, the examination boards may conduct the postponed exams between 1st June and 15th July.

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No cabinet member involved in Rawalpindi Ring Road scam: Fawad

Minister for Information Fawad Hussain on Tuesday made some revelations about the Rawalpindi Ring Road (R3) scandal and said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had asked to probe the matter after an engineer wrote a letter to him, saying that the alignment of the road had been changed.

After an investigation was launched into the matter, it was revealed that not only the alignment of the road was changed but it had been expanded towards Attock by 29 kilometres, Fawad said.

"The reason for expanding the road was to benefit several housing societies," said Fawad.

Regarding the alleged involvement of Special Assistant to the PM on Overseas Pakistanis Zulfi Bukhari and Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan in influencing the officials to change the design of the project, Fawad said that so far, there is no evidence of the involvement of any minister or adviser in the Rawalpindi Ring Road (R3) project.

He added that Bukhari had tendered his resignation on moral grounds. Both the government functionaries have rejected the accusations, saying they have been "wrongly dragged into the matter.

“All citizens are equal in the eyes of law. Now there will be investigations into all allegations whether these are against opposition leaders, cabinet members, the bureaucracy or any institution,” he said in a series of tweets after the R3 scandal exploded in the media.

Fawad Chauhdry said the principle of ‘answerability’ would be applicable to everyone facing any accusations, adding it was the change in the system that had been promised.

The minister said it was only possible in Imran Khan’s government that the allegations were probed if levelled against whosoever. He said that contrary to that, during the tenures of PML-N and PPP, media had been highlighting wrongdoings loud and clear, but all went unheard.

Now, he said, the PTI government had changed the system as it strongly believed that government officials should have fear of accountability besides influential personalities were also not above the law.

Fawad said the PM was apprised about the matter of the Ring Road project that a 23-kilometre stretch was added in the original alignment to benefit housing societies that led to the additional payment of Rs20 billion on account of land procurement.

Following this, the minister said the Punjab chief minister, as well as Commissioner Rawalpindi, was asked to probe the matter.

According to the initial inquiry, he said, the commissioner confirmed the reports that the former commissioner and some officers were involved in the scandal, suggesting sending the matter to the departments concerned for further investigation.

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