UNITED NATIONS, Mar 14 (APP):Two United Nations relief agencies Wednesday joined a chorus of international organizations and partners in the quest to end seven years of conflict in Syria, urging warring parties to allow humanitarian access for the delivery of life-saving assistance to those desperately in need.
“Every day that goes by without a resolution to this crisis is another day where we have failed the people of Syria,” Jakob Kern, World Food Programme (WFP) Representative and Country Director in Syria, said in a statement.
“The single greatest priority must be an end to this conflict. History will hold us accountable,” he added.
The conflict, which is entering its eighth year, has brought intolerable suffering to millions of people. In many parts of the country, the violence has reached unbearable levels.
Every day, families under bombardment and shelling face a nightmare and more innocent lives are lost. More than a third of Syria’s population is internally displaced.
With this continuous displacement come alarmingly high levels of hunger and need. Some 6.5 million people in Syria are food insecure and another four million people twice as many as a year ago – are at risk of becoming so.
Since the conflict started, food prices have soared beyond the reach of many. Bread is now eight times more expensive compared to pre-crisis times. Today, a shocking seven in ten Syrians live in extreme poverty.
In 2017, UN-led humanitarian convoys reached 820,200 people inside Syria, according to UN relief agencies.
“We are humans. We are civilians. We do not deserve this. My children are hungry and have no food to eat,” a resident in Eastern Ghouta said during a rare delivery of humanitarian aid in February rare because the fighting hardly ever lets up long enough for humanitarian convoys to reach the besieged enclave.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also renewed its call for the protection of health workers and for immediate access to besieged populations.
“This health tragedy must come to an end,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said.
“Every attack shatters communities and ripples through health systems, damaging infrastructure and reducing access to health for vulnerable people,” he added.
Attacks on the health sector have continued at an alarming level in the past year. The 67 verified attacks on health facilities, workers, and infrastructure recorded during the first two months of 2018 amount to more than 50 per cent of verified attacks in all of 2017.
An estimated 2.9 million Syrians live in UN-declared hard-to-reach and besieged locations. WHO is providing health assistance to many of these areas but lacks consistent access.
Last year, WHO delivered over 14 million treatments across the country, including through cross-border and cross-line services.
“The suffering of the people of Syria must stop. We urge all parties to the conflict to end attacks on health, to provide access to all those in Syria who need health assistance, and, above all, to end this devastating conflict,” Tedros said.
Marking 8th year of Syria conflict, UN agencies join call for peace, safe aid delivery
President condemns terrorist attack in Lahore
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):President Mamnoon Hussain has condemned terrorist attack in Lahore on Wednesday and prayed for eternal peace of the martyred police personnel and people.
While expressing sympathies with the bereaved families, the president directed the authorities concerned to provide best medical treatment and every possible assistance to the injured and affected people.
The president said such kinds of coward acts could not deter resolve of the government against the war on terrorism.
He said the Pakistani nation had defeated terrorists after giving numerous sacrifices.
Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan defeat rivals in Handball Trophy
FAISALABAD, Mar 14 (APP)::Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan defeated their rivals in different matches on fifth day of International Handball Federation (IHF) South & Central Asia Youth & Junior Trophy 2018 at International Handball Court of University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), here on Wednesday.
According to details, in first match Bangladesh Youth team beat Nepal with 56-31 goals while Pakistan Juniors defeated Maldives with 44-21 goals in second match.
Similarly, Nepal Juniors won third match against Maldives with 32-22 goals.
Pakistan envoy to India Sohail Mahmood calls for sober reflection
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Amid fresh incidents of alleged harassment of Pakistani diplomats in Delhi and Indian diplomats
in Pakistan, Pakistan’s High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood called for “sober reflection” and a careful handling of the situation.
“This is a moment for sober reflection on the state of the bilateral relationship. It is too important
to be allowed to drift. There is a need to handle matters with wisdom and thoughtfulness,” Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood told The Hindu in response to a question about the latest incident in Delhi, which led to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry issuing a demarche to Indian Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh on Wednesday morning.
According to a message received here Wednesday, the protest came after Pakistan’s High Commission released a video taken by one of their embassy officials that appeared to show their diplomatic car being tailed by men on motorcycles while a car in front blocked their way.
The video shows men wearing helmets, riding the motorcycles very close to the Embassy vehicle, and also intimidating other drivers on the road in South Delhi who objected. According to Pakistani diplomats, the incident occurred on Tuesday and was the 23rd such incident in the past two weeks.
“While heavy surveillance of diplomats has always been a cause for concern, the scale, intensity and frequency of the harassment of embassy vehicles, personnel and families in the last few weeks is very worrying,” said a diplomatic source.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) did not respond to requests for a reaction to the
latest allegations by Pakistan.
Pakistan Day celebrations kick off at High Commission London
LONDON, March 14 (APP):Pakistan Day celebrations have kicked off here at the Pakistan High Commission with showcasing artistic creations of Pakistani artists.
Renowned designers from Pakistan showcased the specimens of their work to packed to capacity venue comprising spouses of high commissioners, ambassadors, diplomats and leading ladies from the diaspora.
Naila Noornai, jewellery designer and Rana Noman, bridal-wear designer, put on display their creative work. More than 100 guests evinced keen interest in the exquisite cultural heritage of Pakistan.
Begum High Commissioner, Mrs Sadaf Abbas organized the event to celebrate the upcoming Pakistan Day as well as the International Women’s Day.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Sadaf Abbas said:“On the occasion of the Women’s Day, I am happy to say that since our independence 70 years ago – women in Pakistan have come a long way. Women empowerment in Pakistan was pioneered by leading lights like Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah and Begum Raana Liaqat Ali Khan and the journey continues.”
She added: “Today, we have tried to give you a glimpse of rich Pakistani culture by showcasing exquisite bridal-wear and handcrafted traditional jewelry.”
On the occasion, famous violist Sara Sirhandi played melodious viola tunes which added colour to the festive ambiance of the show.
Strong Pakistani outfit to feature in World Taekwondo Junior C’ship
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Pakistan will send a strong outfit to feature in the World Taekwondo Junior Championship at Hammamet, Tunisia from April 9-13.
“This will be a great opportunity for our athletes to showcase their skills in their respective weight categories,” a spokesman of Pakistan Taekwondo Federation said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said Pakistan athletes would also compete at the Taekwondo Qualification Tournament for Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games, which would be taking place in Tunisia shortly before the commencement of Championship, from April 6 to 7.
Italian businessmen keen to explore business opportunities
ISLAMABAD, March 14 (APP):Italian Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo on Wednesday said that Italian investors were being informed about the investment potential in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy and they had expressed keenness to take advantage from these opportunities.
The Ambassador called on Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Miftah Ismail and apprised the Adviser regarding
various bilateral cooperation initiatives underway between the two countries.
The Adviser on Finance appreciated the dedicated efforts of Italian Envoy for promoting Pak-Italy economic
cooperation.
He said that the steady economic growth was creating greater economic opportunities for the investors.
He said that the improved security and greater economic opportunities had led to a renewed interest of the
international investors.
He said all possible facilitation would be offered to potential Italian businessmen under Pakistan’s liberal investment regime.
9 killed, 19 injured in Raiwind suicide attack
LAHORE, March 14 (APP): Nine persons including five policemen were killed while 19 received injuries when a suicide attacker blew himself up at Nisar Haveli police check-post near Raiwind Tableeghi Ijtma site on Wednesday.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Dr Haider Ashraf, a suicide bomber blew himself up when police jawans stopped him at a police check-post 600 meters from the Raiwind Tableeghi Ijtma site.
As a result, five policemen including two sub-inspectors and three constables died in harness and four civilians embraced martyrdom while 19 others including ASP Raiwind Zubair Nazir received injuries.
The injured were rushed to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Raiwind, Sharif Medical City Hospital and General Hospital Lahore.
The martyrs are: Muhammad Aslam (SI), Tanvir (SI), Saeed (Constable), Amir Afridi and two unidentified while injured are identified as M Naeem (Cop), Sabir (Cop), Manzoor (Cop), Israr (Cop), Karamat (Cop), Abid Hussain (Cop), Babur Hayat (Cop), Muhammad Farooq (Cop), Muhammad Akram (Cop), M Yaseen, M Saeed, Fareedullah, Zeeshan, Asim Afridi and five unidentified persons.
Talking to mediamen at the crime scene, the DIG said the police had recovered the body-parts of the suicide bomber, adding the suicide attacker had appeared from the open fields around the Raiwind Tableeghi congregation site.
He said the police had set check-posts at main entrance areas.
Paying tribute to the martyred policemen, Dr Haider Ashraf said the policemen had saved the lives of many through their sacrifice, adding police were constant in their resolve to protect life and property of the citizens.
“We have been in a state of war. The police have ensured combing operations and snap checking, and security will be further beefed up,” he responded.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Capt (Retd) Muhammad Arif, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Amin Wains, DIG (Operations), Deputy Commissioner Lahore Sumair Ahmed Syed
visited the crime scene.
Meanwhile, the security in provincial capital has been beefed up, whereas the police officials have been directed to ensure strict checking at exit and entry points of the city.
According to Rescue 1122, the 19 injured had been shifted to Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Raiwind and Sharif Medical City Hospital. The condition of some of the injured is stated to be critical.
The law enforcement agencies had cordoned off the area and started investigation.
Probing horse-trading in Senate elections is constitutional obligation of ECP: Marriyum
ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (APP):Minister of state for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb, talking to media persons here Wednesday after attending the ECP hearing about horse-trading in the Senate elections, said that it was the constitutional obligation of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to hold a probe into the matter.
She said that Article 218(3) of the Constitution mandated the ECP to conduct elections that were free, fair and devoid of corrupt practices and Article 220 conferred wide powers on the ECP to seek assistance from all executive authorities for discharge of its obligations, including law enforcement and intelligence agencies. She said that clause 219(5) of the Election Act also reflected similar obligations of the ECP.
Marriyum said that Senate election is an indirect election and when a political party of candidate gets votes disproportionate to its representation in the respective electorate (Provincial Assemblies etc) there is a natural inference to be drawn that members have voted against party policy due to illegal consideration, especially of such party members who have not defected from the party. This is what happened in the Senate elections, she added.
In view of the voting formula and stated party positions, the ECP must place onus on the winning candidates to establish how they won the votes of members of other parties to secure seats, the minister emphasised.
She said that the ECP should further require law enforcement and intelligence agencies to conduct inquiries regarding use of money/Illegal consideration in the election. It had the mandate under Article 220 to do so and it must do so in discharge of its obligations under Article 218(3), she reiterated.
Marriyum said that it was the demand of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) that the ECP should hold a probe into the horse-trading done during the Senate elections and those, who had pummeled the sanctity of the vote, should be duly punished.
She said that when a party with 30 seats in the assembly obtained 44 votes it created doubts about the fairness of the election, as securing more votes by a candidate than the strength of the party in the legislature was clearly tantamount to horse-trading. She emphatically claimed that the PML-N had neither indulged in horse-trading nor had allowed it to happen, which was an essential ingredient of the elections.
She said that reports and comments in the media also indicated horse-trading in the Senate elections and the PML-N was also of the same view and consequently adopted the stance that the ECP should take notice of it. She had been summoned by the ECP in the same connection, she added.
Marriyum said that both Imran and Zardari were masters of horse-trading and the show put up by them during the Senate elections was witnessed by the entire nation. Those, who danced at the finger of the umpire, and the ones, who talked of demolishing everything, should also be held accountable, she said, adding that the people would seek answers from them in the 2018 elections by rejecting them.
The minister said that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, who was thrice elected prime minister of the country, was disqualified for not drawing salary from the company of his son and on the basis of ‘Iqama’. Boxes were brought on trolleys supposedly containing incriminating evidence against Nawaz Sharif but they failed to ferret out any corruption against him, she added.
She said that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) initially filed four references against Nawaz Sharif and when nothing emerged from them, supplementary references were being brought up, adding that they would not be able to substantiate any allegations of corruption against him.
Marriyum said that Nawaz Sharif was made to appear before the court twice a day and after no proof regarding corruption was found he took upon himself the responsibility to fight for the legitimate cause of restoring the sanctity of the vote. Nawaz Sharif had only one objective and even yesterday he reiterated the narrative of ‘respect and sanctity of vote’ and it was not a crime to expound one’s disposition on an issue, she added.
She reiterated that Muhammad Nawaz Sharif was the most popular leader while the PML-N was the largest political party of the country.
Responding to a question the minister pointed out that the constitution had delineated the functions and powers of all the constitutional bodies, including parliament, executive and judiciary.
PSL final match tickets on sale from March 15
KARACHI, Mar 14 (APP):Tickets for the final match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season Three will be on sale from Thursday. The event is scheduled to be held on March 25 at the National Stadium.
Online sales for tickets on ‘Yayvo.com’ will go live at midnight (12:00 am) on March 15 and at 32 Express Centers in Karachi from 9:00 am onwards the same day. Details of TCS Express Centers are available on the TCS website (www.tcs.com.pk), said a statement on Wednesday.
Due to security reasons, there is a maximum cap of five tickets per CNIC and buyers will have to bring their original CNICs for the same.
As set by Pakistan Cricket Board, tickets will be available in denominations of Rs 1,000, Rs 4,000, Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000.
TCS’s Director Marketing and Public Affairs Naiyar Saifi commented, ‘ We are confident TCS and we will facilitate cricket fans by offering smooth and hassle-free sale of tickets to let them enjoy thrilling moments of the PSL Final in Karachi.’
The tickets for the two eliminators are already available online on ‘Yayvo.com’ and TCS Express Centers.