Governor meets Lindsay Hoyle; discusses Afghanistan, Pak-UK relations

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Dr Moeed meets Asset Issekeshiv; reviews bilateral ties amid detailed discussions

ISLAMABAD, Dec 03 (APP):National Security Adviser (NSA), Dr Moeed Yusuf Friday met Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Asset Issekeshiv in Nur-Sultan on Friday.

They reviewed Pak-Kazakh bilateral relations and held in-depth discussions on regional and international issues, including Afghanistan, said a press release received here.

The talks focused on matters of mutual interest including trade and economic relations, cooperation in the field of defence, fight against terrorism and counter-narcotics among others.

In the context of regional connectivity, Dr. Moeed Yusuf highlighted Pakistan’s shift to geo-economics and the importance of Central Asia in that regard.

The establishment of air and road links between Pakistan and Kazakhstan also received particular attention of the two sides who agreed to remain engaged in that regard, besides other matters.

While discussing Afghanistan, both the leaders emphasised the need to avert a humanitarian crisis in that country and urged the need for immediate practical steps to help the Afghan people.

Issekeshiv also hosted a working lunch for the Pakistani delegation in which Special Envoy of the President of Kazakhstan for International Cooperation Erzhan Kazikhanov also participated.

Dr Moeed Yusuf also met the Kazakhstan Minister of Education and Science Aimagambetov Askhat Kanatovich and discussed opportunities in cooperation in the field of higher education, including exchange of students and think tanks collaboration.

The two sides agreed to exchange proposals to take further steps in that regard.
During his tour to the Kazakh National Defence University (NDU), Dr Moeed Yusuf received briefing about the institution from the Deputy Commandant and visited Pakistan Military Art Room located in the premises of the NDU which has been decorated and furnished by Pakistan.

Earlier, the Secretary of The International Turkic Academy called on Dr Moeed Yusuf.

NSA Dr Moeed Yusuf is on a two-day visit to Kazakhstan on the invitation of Secretary of the Security Council Asset Issekeshiv.

IT Minister sees big potential in Karachi for IT

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IT Minister sees big potential in Karachi for IT

KARACHI, Dec 03 (APP):Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Ameen-ul-Haq on Friday said Karachi has major share in IT exports and the city has big potential for growth in IT industry.

Speaking at a meeting with members of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the Chamber, the Minister emphasized that the nation as a whole should be more responsive to fast IT developments in the world.

He regretted that even at big institutions of the country, the pace of digitalization and innovations was very slow.

He said his ministry was very aggressively pursuing the Prime Minister’s vision of “ Digital Pakistan”.

The target was the spread of IT facilities and their productive use in every nook
and corner of the country. Strong connectivity and broad-banding was
the need of the hour and the business community could be the major
player in this mission as they were lead users of IT.

He said the government had also announced the mobile manufacturing policy which would prove very helpful to strengthen the IT industry of the country.

He mentioned that India was much ahead in IT sector and its IT export was over dollars 50 billion during last fiscal year.

The IT Minister said in 2018 the country’s IT export was only $ 995 million, which was increased to $ 1.4 billion in next year and in 2020-21 the figure rose to $ 2/1 billion. The target for the current fiscal year set at $ 3.5 billion and for 2023 it was $ 8 billion.

Syed Ameen-ul-Haq said it was dire to give advanced trainings to the youth in modern technologies.

He said the government’s had focused on many new markets to increase IT export, which included Middle East and European states.

For branding and marketing Rupees six billion had been allocated by his ministry.

He said mega data centre was being set up in Karachi with completion deadline of June 2022.

He said two national incubator centers were being set up – one each in Hyderabad and Faisalabad.

He invited suggestions from KCCI for better decisions and planning to swiftly promote the use of IT in trade and industrial sectors.

He assured maximum cooperation to the trade bodies of the country including Karachi Chamber in resolution of IT related issues.

The Minister responded to queries of KCCI members and assured more interaction with them in future.

Chairman, Businessmen Group in KCCI and former president KCCI, M.Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairman BMG and former SVP Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, President KCCI Muhammad Idress, Senior Vice President Abdul Rehman Naqi, former presidents of the chamber Majyed Aziz and Iftikhar Vohra were the prominent business leaders.

They highlighted different issues, gave suggestions and assured full cooperation for promotion of IT and to increase its exports as well.

COAS condemns Sialkot incident, directs full support to arrest culprits

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COAS condemns Sialkot incident, directs full support to arrest culprits

RAWALPINDI, Dec 03 (APP):Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday condemned the murder of a Srilankan man in Sialkot and directed all out support to civil administration to arrest perpetrators of this heinous crime and bring them to justice.

The Army Chief in an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release said, “The cold blooded murder of Srilankan Mr Priyantha Kumara by a mob at Sialkot is extremely condemnable and shameful. “

He added that such extra judicial vigilantism could not be condoned at any cost.

391 more tested positive, 8 died during last 24 hours

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391 more tested positive, 8 died during last 24 hours

ISLAMABAD, Dec 03 (APP):The national tally on Friday of total active COVID-19 cases recorded 12, 114 with 391 more people tested positive for the deadly virus while 08 more people died from the disease during the last 24 hours.

All 08 corona patients died in the hospital during past 24 hours, according to the latest update issued by the National command and Operation Centre (NCOC).
During the last 24 hours most of the deaths had occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa followed by Punjab.

All 08 deaths were occurred in the hospital during last 24 hours.
The maximum ventilators were occupied in four major areas including Multan 14 percent, Peshawar 16 percent, Islamabad 14 percent and Sargodha 13 percent.

The maximum Oxygen beds (alternate oxygen providing facility other than ventilator administered as per medical requirement of COVID patient) were also occupied in four major areas including Multan 40 percent, Swabi 22 percent, Sargodha 20 percent and Islamabad 11 percent.

Around 99 ventilators were occupied elsewhere in the country while no COVID affected person was on ventilator in, Gilgit Baltistan (GB), Balochistan and AJK.
Some 464,57 tests were conducted across the country on Thursday, including 143,

59 in Sindh, 170,85 in Punjab, 8,108 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 4,539 in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 1, 867 in Balochistan, 254 in GB, and 242 in AJK.

Around 1,245,155 people have recovered from the disease so far across Pakistan making it a significant count.

Since the pandemic outbreak, a total of 1,286,022 cases were detected that also included the perished, recovered and under treatment COVID-19 patients so far, including AJK 34,570, Balochistan 33,491, GB 10,413, ICT 10,7811, KP 180,194, Punjab 443,310and Sindh 476,233.

About 28,753 deaths were recorded in country since the eruption of the contagion.
Around 7,622 have perished in Sindh, 130, 31 had died in Punjab so far, with 03 deaths occurred in hospital during past 24 hours.

Around 5,855 in KP where 04 of them died in hospital on Thursday, 957 in ICT with one died in hospital during last 24 hours, Balochistan 360, GB 186, AJK 742.

A total of 22,118, 750 corona tests have been conducted so far, while 640 hospitals were equipped with COVID facilities. Some 930 corona patients were admitted in hospitals across the country.

COAS emphasises for swiftly devising mechanism to channelise humanitarian aid to Afghanistan

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RAWALPINDI, Dec 03 (APP):Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday emphasised on the urgency for swiftly devising an institutional mechanism for channeling humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in order to avert a looming humanitarian catastrophe.

He made these remarks during a meeting with Ambassador of Belarus Andrei Metelitsa at General Headquarters (GHQ), said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) media release.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interests, potential in defence cooperation, regional security, current situation in Afghanistan and collaboration and partnership in humanitarian measures were discussed.

Speaking on the occasion, the COAS said that Pakistan valued Belarus’s role in global and regional affairs and looked forward to enhance its bilateral relationship.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in Afghan situation, special efforts for border management, role in regional stability and pledged to play his part for further improvement in diplomatic cooperation with Pakistan at all levels.

WHO urges countries not to panic over Omicron but prepare for likely spread

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WHO to ensure provision of essential healthcare services in flood-affected areas: Dr Palitha

UNITED NATIONS, Dec 03 (APP):As scientists continue to investigate the Omicron coronavirus variant, the U.N. World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday urged countries not to panic but to prepare for its likely spread.

Heralding South Africa’s and Botswana’s decision to report the appearance of the Omicron coronavirus mutation last month, the UN health agency repeated that it will take another two weeks before more is known about how transmissible and how dangerous it actually is.

Speaking in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier stressed that data suggesting that Omicron was highly transmissible was only preliminary. He also repeated WHO advice against blanket travel bans, except for countries whose health systems were unable to withstand a surge in infections.

“It is much more preferred to prepare your country, your health system to possibly incoming cases because we can be pretty sure that this Omicron variant will spread around,” he said. The Delta mutation – declared a variant of concern this summer – is now “predominant”, Lindmeier added, “with over 90 per cent all around the world.

This is how this virus behaves and we will not most likely be able to keep it out of individual countries.” The WHO official also cautioned against knee-jerk reactions to reports that Omicron had continued to spread. “Let’s not get deterred right now, let us first get as much information as possible to make the correct risk assessment based on the information that we will have and then let’s move on,” he said.

“Let’s not get completely worried or confused by individual information which are all individually important, but which need to be brought together in order to assess together.” The development comes as WHO said that it was sending a technical surge team to South Africa’s Gauteng province to monitor Omicron and help with contract tracing, amid a spike in coronavirus reinfections.

For the seven days leading to 30 November, South Africa reported a 311 per cent increase in new cases, compared with the previous seven days, WHO said on Thursday. Cases in Gauteng province, where Johannesburg is located, have increased by 375 per cent week on week.

Hospital admissions there rose 4.2 per cent in the past seven days from the previous week. And COVID-19-related deaths in the province jumped 28.6 per cent from the previous seven days. Announcing the surge team deployment, Dr Salam Gueye, WHO Regional Emergency Director for Africa, noted that just 102 million Africans in Africa – 7.5 per cent of the continental population – are now fully vaccinated and that more than 80 per cent of the population has not received even a single dose.

“This is a dangerously wide gap,” he said. In a statement, WHO said that South Africa is reportedly seeing more patients contracting COVID-19 after having already been infected, in a way it did not with previous variants, citing a microbiologist from the country’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD).

Working with African governments to accelerate studies and bolster the response to the new variant, the World Health Organization (WHO) is urging countries to sequence between 75 and 150 samples weekly.

“The detection and timely reporting of the new variant by Botswana and South Africa has bought the world time,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.

“We have a window of opportunity but must act quickly and ramp up detection and prevention measures. Countries must adjust their COVID-19 response and stop a surge in cases from sweeping across Africa and possibly overwhelming already-stretched health facilities.”

China-Pakistan friendship rooted in people of two countries: Zhao Lijian

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China condemns attack on Abu Dhabi airport

BEIJING, Dec 3 (APP):Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian Friday said that the friendship between China and Pakistan was rooted in the people of two countries, where it derived its vitality.

Taking the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as an opportunity, China stands ready to work with Pakistan to continuously carry forward and build on our friendship, he said during his regular briefing in response to a question asked by APP.

He said that the Chinese side was ready to further expand and deepen practical cooperation in various fields, forge a stronger cultural and people-to-people bond, strive for greater progress in our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and build an even closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era.

Zhao Lijian said that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan.

He said that to celebrate this significant occasion, China and Pakistan have agreed to hold over 100 celebration activities.

So far more than 120 activities have been held, ranging from high-profile events like exchange of congratulatory messages between the leaders and receptions marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, to popular activities including essay and painting contests and gourmet festivals, he added.

The spokesperson said that this broad range of colorful, in-depth activities had yielded good results.

Early this year, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi formally commenced activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Pak-China diplomatic relations during a virtual ceremony simultaneously held in Islamabad and Beijing.

A logo was unveiled during the ceremony epitomizing the historic nature of Pakistan-China ties which were established in May 21, 1951.

The two nations planned to organize a series of events, including exchanges of high-level delegations, people to people contact, cultural exhibitions, photographic exhibitions, fashion events, publication of books spread across the entire year to commemorate the historic milestone.

Furthermore, both nations announced to twin a number of cities between China and Pakistan besides holding the webinars of trade and investment.

Horrific Sialkot incident a “day of shame” for Pakistan: PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday said that the “horrific vigilante attack” on a factory in Sialkot and the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager was a “day of shame for Pakistan.”

On Twitter, the prime minister said that he was overseeing the investigations and all those responsible would be dealt with the severity of the law.

He was referring to the incident took place in the limit of Hoogu Police Station, Sialkot district in which a Sri Lankan namely Paryantha Kumara, who was General Manager at Rajco Factory near Nol Mor on Wazirabad Road, was tortured to death by factory workers.

“I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law,” he said.

The prime minister said that the arrests were already in progress.

I appreciate the prompt action taken by the Prime Minister and Government of Pakistan. The Sialkot incident is definitely very sad & shameful, and not religious in any way whatsoever. Islam is a religion that established cannons of deliberative justice rather than mob lynchings. pic.twitter.com/QF6jLToZkg
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) December 3, 2021

According to Punjab Police, over 100 people had been arrested so far including the main accused Farhan Idris for inciting violence and the raids were being made for the arrest of more people.

Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab (SACM) for Information and Spokesperson Government of the Punjab Hasaan Khawar told a news conference that CCTV footages were also being used to arrest more people, while the process of identifying more culprits was underway with the help of the National Database Registration Authority.

سیالکوٹ واقعہ میں پولیس نے تشدد کرنے اور اشتعال انگیزی میں ملوث ملزمان میں سے ایک مرکزی ملزم فرحان ادریس کو گرفتار کر لیا ہے۔ 100سے زائد افراد کو حراست میں لےلیا ہےآئی جی پنجاب سارے معاملہ کی خود نگرانی کر رہے ہیں باقی ملزمان کی گرفتاری کیلیے چھاپے مارے جارہے ہیں@UsmanAKBuzdar pic.twitter.com/v7YOpQxwXs
— Punjab Police Official (@OfficialDPRPP) December 3, 2021

In a tweet, President Dr Arif Alvi said the Sialkot incident was “definitely very sad and shameful, and not religious in any way whatsoever.”

Appreciating the prompt action taken by the prime minister and the Government of Pakistan, Islam was a religion that established cannons of deliberative justice rather than mob lynching.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Special Representative of Prime Minister on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi condemned the incident and said the perpetrators of the heinous crime made no service to Islam rather defamed the religion.

They also hurt the spirit of laws of blasphemy and desecration of religions and also brought a bad name to Pakistan.

Muttahida Ulama Council, Darul Iftah Pakistan, Interfaith Harmony Council, Ulema and Mashaikh from all schools of thought have strongly condemned this tragic incident.

He mentioned that Ulema had made very hectic efforts to maintain religious harmony which was evident from the fact that during the last one year, no FIR under blasphemy and desecration of religions laws was registered in Punjab. While, Mutahidda Ulema Council reviewed and resolved 113 such cases in an amicable manner.

#sialkotincident Really very horrific and terrible. Its against teachings of every religion. That's why, misuse of blasphemy allegations must be stopped. I request everyone to show patience and tolerance on this sensitive issue.#Sialkot
— Dr. Ramesh Vankwani (@RVankwani) December 3, 2021

Patron-in-chief Pakistan Hindu Council and Member of National Assembly Dr. Ramesh Vankwani also called the incident as “very horrific and terrible” and against the teachings of every religion.

“That’s why, misuse of blasphemy allegations must be stopped. I request everyone to show patience and tolerance on this sensitive issue,” he said on Twitter.

Hasaan Khawar told media that Regional Police Officer (RPO) Gujranwala Division Imran Ahmar and the Commissioner were also present on the spot to probe the incident.

The IGP also directed the officers concerned to present a report in this regard within 48 hours, while the Chief Minister is also in coordination with the police and District Administration of Sialkot.

HBL PSL 7: Multan Sultans to open title defence against Karachi Kings

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By Sohail Ali

LAHORE, Dec 03 (APP):The countdown of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s marquee event, the HBL Pakistan Super League 2022, began on Friday when the schedule of the seventh edition of one of the most popular and competitive cricket leagues was announced.

Following an opening ceremony, defending champions Multan Sultans will take on hosts and 2020 champions Karachi Kings at the National Stadium with the first ball to be bowled at 7pm PKT. 2019 champions Quetta Gladiators will go toe to toe with 2017 winners Peshawar Zalmi on the following day on Friday.

In first of the six double-headers to be played in the 32-day and 34-match tournament, Multan Sultans will take on 2020 runners-up Lahore Qalandars at 2pm PKT, which will be followed by the Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators’ fixture that will begin at 7pm PKT on Saturday.

Two-time champions Islamabad will be in action on Sunday afternoon when they will lock horns with Peshawar Zalmi, with the evening match to be played between arch-rivals Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars.

After Karachi, which will host 15 matches from 27 January to 7 February, action will shift to the Gaddafi Stadium where the remaining 15 league matches and the four play-offs will be played from 10-27 February.

The 27 February final will be the first time since 2017 when the headquarters of Pakistan cricket will hold the final. National Stadium had staged the finals from 2018 to 2020, while Abu Dhabi was the venue for the 2021 final where Sultans defeated Zalmi by 47 runs.

The PCB has designed the 2022 tournament in such a way that each side will play equal number of matches in Karachi and Lahore, as well as games under natural and artificial lights.

HBL PSL Draft 2022
The PCB has decided the HBL PSL Draft 2022 will be held at the High Performance Centre in Lahore on Sunday, 12 December, with the event to kick-off at 3 pm.

Each side will come to the draft with a maximum of eight player retentions from the last event. Following the finalisation of player categories, the transfer and retention window is now officially open and will close on 10 December.

In the Platinum Category, Lahore Qalandars will have the first pick, followed by Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. Lahore Qalandars will have the first pick in the Diamond Category, followed by Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans.

Lahore Qalandars will have the first pick in the Gold Category, Peshawar Zalmi will have the first pick in the Silver Category, Lahore Qalandars will have the first pick in Emerging Category and Quetta Gladiators will have the first pick in Supplementary Category.

Local players’ category renewals
The PCB, following a review and assessment process, has updated local players’ categories.

In the biggest moves, Pakistan wicketkeeper/batter and Multan Sultan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan (previously Silver), Asif Ali of Islamabad United (previously Gold) and Lahore Qalandars’ Haris Rauf (previously Diamond) have been placed in Platinum Category.

Multan Sultans’ Sohaib Maqsood, who was Player of HBL PSL 6, and Haider Ali of Peshawar Zalmi have moved up from Silver and Gold Categories to Diamond Category, respectively.

PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja
“I am delighted that the HBL PSL 7 schedule has been announced. This will now get the ball rolling with the teams to start planning and finalising their line-ups and the PCB increasing the pace of the operational delivery to ensure they provide quality playing facilities for the players as well as five-star experience to the fans and our valued commercial partners.

“The HBL PSL 7 will also kick start what will be a bumper year for Pakistan cricket with the Australia men’s cricket team to play a full series in March-April with England men’s cricket side to tour Pakistan twice for white-ball and red ball cricket.”

Schedule (Matches from 27 Jan-7 Feb to be played at the National Stadium, Karachi; matches from 10-27 Feb to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium)
27 Jan – Karachi Kings vs Multan Sultans
28 Jan – Quetta Gladiators vs Peshawar Zalmi
29 Jan – Multan Sultans vs Lahore Qalandars; Karachi Kings vs Quetta Gladiators
30 Jan – Peshawar Zalmi vs Islamabad United; Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars
31 Jan – Quetta Gladiators vs Multan Sultans
1 Feb – Islamabad United vs Multan Sultans
2 Feb – Peshawar Zalmi vs Lahore Qalandars
3 Feb – Quetta Gladiators vs Islamabad United
4 Feb – Karachi Kings vs Peshawar Zalmi
5 Feb – Islamabad United vs Lahore Qalandars; Peshawar Zalmi vs Multan Sultans
6 Feb – Karachi Kings vs Islamabad United
7 Feb – Quetta Gladiators vs Lahore Qalandars
10 Feb- Multan Sultans vs Peshawar Zalmi
11 Feb – Lahore Qalandars vs Multan Sultans
12 Feb – Islamabad United vs Quetta Gladiators
13 Feb – Peshawar Zalmi vs Karachi Kings; Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators
14 Feb – Islamabad United vs Karachi Kings
15 Feb – Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators
16 Feb – Multan Sultans vs Karachi Kings
17 Feb – Islamabad United vs Peshawar Zalmi
18 Feb – Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators; Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings
19 Feb – Lahore Qalandars vs Islamabad United
20 Feb – Quetta Gladiators vs Karachi Kings; Multan Sultans vs Islamabad United
21 Feb – Lahore Qalandars vs Peshawar Zalmi
23 Feb – Qualifier (1 vs 2)
24 Feb – Eliminator 1 (3 vs 4)
25 Feb – Eliminator 2 (Loser Qualifier 1 vs Winner Eliminator 1)
27 Feb – (Qualifier v Eliminator 2) Final

Sialkot incident shameful, not religious in any way: President

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi Friday said the Sialkot incident was definitely very sad and shameful, and not religious in any way whatsoever.

He was referring to a mob attack on a factory in Sialkot and the burning alive of a Sri Lankan factory manager earlier in the day.

Responding to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s tweet on the issue, the president appreciated the prompt action taken by the prime minister and the Government of Pakistan.

“The Sialkot incident is definitely very sad & shameful, and not religious in any way whatsoever,” he commented.

He said that Islam was a religion that established cannons of deliberative justice rather than mob lynching.

Sialkot incident’s perpetrators defame Islam, damage blasphemy laws: Ashrafi

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Sialkot incident's perpetrators defame Islam, damage blasphemy laws: Ashrafi

LAHORE, Dec 03 (APP):Special Representative of Prime Minister on Interfaith Harmony and Middle East, Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said on Friday that he, on behalf of all schools of thought and Mutahida Ulema Council, strongly condemned the barbaric incident of Sialkot in which a Sri Lankan was tortured to death by factory workers.

The perpetrators of this heinous crime did not make any service in the name of Islam but defamed Islam as well as damaged the laws pertaining to blasphemy and desecration of religions and they also brought bad name for Pakistan, he added.

He expressed these views in media conference here at Directorate General of Public Relations (DGPR) Punjab, while Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab for Information and Spokesperson Government of the Punjab Hasaan Khawar and Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rao Sardar Ali Khan were also present.

Ashrafi said that Islam always advocates peace, love, fraternity, tolerance and brotherhood, and Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him-PBUH) is Rehamat-ul-Lil-Aalameen (benefactor of the entire mankind).

Mutahidda Ulama Council, Darul Iftah Pakistan, Interfaith Harmony Council, Ulema and Mashaikh from all schools of thought have strongly condemned this tragic incident.

He further said that the main objective of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s initiatives like establishment of Rehmat-ul-Lil-aalemeen Authority was to spread the true spirit of Islam and its teachings in the society.

He mentioned that Ulema have made very hectic efforts to maintain religious harmony which is evident from the fact that during the last one year, no FIR under blasphemy and desecration of religions laws was registered in Punjab. While, Mutahidda Ulema Council reviewed and resolved 113 such cases in an amicable manner.

“I don’t have words to express our grief over this barbarism and we pay our heartfelt condolence to the people of Sri Lanka and particularly the family of the deceased,” he added.

He said that leaders of all schools of thought and religions will visit Sri Lankan Embassy to pay condolence this week.

Ashrafi said that in case of such an incident, one must contact the court or relevant authorities for justice instead of taking the law into one’s own hand, citing that laws are there for blasphemous incidents.

On this occasion, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab (SACM) for Information and Spokesperson Government of the Punjab Hasaan Khawar said that according to local police report, a very unfortunate incident took place in the limit of Hoogu Police Station,

Sialkot district, at around 11:30 a.m. in which a Sri Lankan namely Paryantha Kumara, who was General Manager at Rajco Factory near Nol Mor on Wazirabad Road, was tortured to death by factory workers.

Soon after receiving the information on police helpline 15, the area police rushed to the spot within 20 minutes and cleared road of mob.

On the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, the police are thoroughly investigating the killing of Sir Lankan.

The CM also ordered a high level inquiry into the incident. So far 50 persons have been arrested and CCTV footages are also being used to arrest more people involved in the incident, while the process of identifying more culprits is underway with the help of NADRA (National Database Registration Authority), he said.

Hasaan mentioned that the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Gujranwala Division Imran Ahmar and the Commissioner are also present on the spot to probe the incident.

The IGP also directed the officers concerned to present a report in this regard within 48 hours, while the Chief Minister is also in coordination with the police and District Administration of Sialkot,

he said and added that every aspect of this tragic and reprehensible incident is being investigated and immediate action will be taken against all the elements involved in this heinous incident.

“In this case, justice will not only be done but it will also be seen to be done,” he said.

He said that Islam is the torchbearer of peace, tolerance, and brotherhood. No society in the world including Pakistan would allow such an inhuman act.

Players of Rijas Development Master Paints and 4 Corps struggling to get hold on the ball during Corps Commander Polo Cup 2021 at Jinnah Polo Fields

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Zia Ur Rehman

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Players of Rijas Development Master Paints and 4 Corps struggling to get hold on the ball during Corps Commander Polo Cup 2021 at Jinnah Polo Fields — APP63-031221 LAHORE:

PM for relocation of industries out of cities; promotion of electric vehicles

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday directed the federal and provincial governments to get major industrial units like brick kilns and steel furnaces relocated outside the cities with effective restrictions.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting on pollution-related issues in the country, also called for incentivizing the use of quality fuel and gradual replacement of vehicles with electric vehicles (EV).

He mentioned how developed countries had shifted to modern technology including conversion of public transport to electric vehicles (EV).

He directed that the new buses for all metros in the country should be electric vehicles.

He said the pollution was a silent killer but environmental protection had never been a priority of the past governments. Now there is no more room for negligence,” he remarked.

The prime minister underlined the importance of saving our big cities from pollution as it has a huge social and economic costs.

“We must incentivise the industry for shifting their units out of the city and the use of modern technology for environment safety,” he added.

The prime minister directed the Punjab Government to adopt a comprehensive smog control policy at the earliest.

He directed the federal government and provincial governments of Punjab and KP to immediately work on a short, medium and long term comprehensive plan for forward-looking policies with the timelines for implementation.

Earlier, the prime minister was briefed that vehicles, industrial units, burning of waste material and burning of crops were the major sources of air pollution.

The prime minister also stressed the need of dialogue with regional countries to protect the environment through collective efforts.

“We should also take all steps to increase the green cover of our cities through Miyawaki forest technique,” he added.

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of a massive public awareness campaign to bring behavioral change in people for environmental protection.

The meeting was attended by SAPM on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam, Minister of State on Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib, KP Chief Minister Mahmood Khan and senior officers concerned. Chief Minister of Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar joined the meeting via video link.

Killing in Sialkot – an act of brutality: Ashrafi

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OIC meeting to help improve prevailing situation in Afghanistan: Ashrafi

ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP):Special Representative to the Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi on Friday vehemently condemned the killing of a foreign mill manager in Sialkot, terming it an act of brutality and barbarism.

In a statement, Asharafi who is also Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Chairman, said the killing of a person in Sialkot was an unIslamic and inhumane act. Culprits would be arrested and taken to the task, he added.

Corps Commander Polo Cup , Risja Development/Master Paints in main final

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Corps Commander Polo Cup , Risja Development/Master Paints in main final

By Sohail Ali

LAHORE, Dec 03 (APP):Remounts and Risja Development/Master Paints breezed into the main final of the Corps Commander Polo Cup after winning their respective semifinals here at the Jinnah Polo Fields (JPF) on Friday.

In the first semifinal of the day, Remounts outpaced Sheikhoo Steel/Diamond Paints by 9-6.

Nicolas Antinori emerged as hero of the day for Remounts as he fired in fabulous five goals while ALD Shahid Imran hammered a hat-trick of goals and Raja Temur Nadeem struck one goal. From the losing team, Saqib Khan Khakwani thrashed in three goals while Andres Fernandez banged in a brace and Usman Aziz Anwar scored one goal.

The second semifinal of the day was contested between Rijas Development/Master Paints and 4 Corps and after a tough fight, Rijas Development/Master Paints succeeded in winning the nail-biting match by 8–7½. Mannuel Carranza played superb polo and smashed in splendid seven goals for the winning side while the remaining one was converted by Sufi Muhammad Amir.

For the team 4 Corps, which had a half goal handicap advantage, the major contribution came from high-flying Raja Sami Ullah, who converted six convincing goals while Lt Col Omer Minhas struck the remaining one but their efforts couldn’t bear fruit for their side.

Jinnah Polo Fields President Lt Col (R) Shoaib Aftab, Secretary Maj (retd) Babar Mahboob Awan, polo players and their families and polo enthusiasts witnessed and enjoyed the enthralling encounters and hoped that the finals will be more challenging and action-packed.

CJCSC, DG Strategic Plans Division call on PM

By

Shahid Saleem

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Nadeem Raza and Director General Strategic Plans Division (SPD) Lt. General Nadeem Zaki Manj called on Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Friday.

Professional matters pertaining to defence of the country were discussed in the meeting.

CM inaugurates Rs 3.5 bln ‘Hamqadam Programme’

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LAHORE, Dec 03 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday inaugurated Rs.3.5 billion ‘Hamqadam Programme’ under Punjab Ehsaas Programme for differently-abled persons.

He distributed registration certificates among special persons eligible for financial assistance and termed it a historic step.

Under the program, interest-free loans of Rs. 270 million were being provided to 63500 special persons and a scheme of providing wheelchairs, hearing aids and the necessary equipment for such persons was being started with Rs. 100 million, he added.

The CM said special people were an important part of society. Due to the apathy of the previous government, special people faced socio-economic problems, he regretted and added inclusion of special people in the national mainstream was very important and it was the priority of PTI-led government to ensure the economic stability to them, he said.

Concrete steps have been taken to provide equal opportunities for socio-economic development of such people, he emphasized.

The Punjab government was actively working for the welfare of the poor and deprived sections, he added. Under the Punjab Ehsaas Programme, improvement in the living standards of the poor and provision of basic necessities of life was being ensured, he added.

Vice-Chairman Punjab Social Protection Authority Nasir Jamal Cheema briefed about ‘Hamqadam’ and other programs.

Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Syed Yawar Bukhari, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Musarrat Jamshed Cheema MPA, Sohail Zafar, Saleem Baryar, Chief Executive Officer Punjab Social Protection Authority, Secretary Information, DGPR and others were also present.

Horrific Sialkot incident a “day of shame” for Pakistan: PM

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ISLAMABAD, Dec 3 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Friday said that the “horrific vigilante attack” on a factory in Sialkot and the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager was a “day of shame for Pakistan.”

On Twitter, the prime minister said that he was overseeing the investigations and all those responsible would be dealt with the severity of the law.

The horrific vigilante attack on factory in Sialkot & the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 3, 2021

“I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law,” he said.

The prime minister said that the arrests were already in progress.

Rehabilitation of special persons in AJK a top priorities of government: PM Qayyum Niazi

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