Two boys playing outside their house
PM for early finalization of policy to uplift SMEs sector
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday while calling the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) the most crucial component of national economy, called for early finalization of a proposed policy for the sector’s uplift.
The prime minister, chairing a review meeting for promotion of SMEs, said the incumbent government was specially facilitating the sector as it was neglected in the past.
Federal ministers Shaukat Fayaz Tarin and Khusro Bakhtiar, Commerce Advisor Abdul Razzak Dawood, Special Assistant to PM Dr Shahbaz Gill, and senior officials attended the meeting. State Bank Governor Raza Baqir joined via video link.
The prime minister instructed for provision of incentives and loans under the government’s Ease of Doing Business policy.
Secretary Industries and Production Division briefed the meeting on the contours of the proposed SMEs policy.
It was told that the SMEs contributed to 40% of country’s GDP and that the sector was being extended tax relief.
The federal secretary told the meeting that the federal cabinet had already approved an action plan for uplift of the SMEs sector. The SMEs linked with the IT sector were being given special incentives, he added
Moreover, the SMEs would also be given loans under the State Bank’s supervision.
The meeting was told that all stakeholders had been consulted to remove all lacunae from the proposed policy.
7th Ave flyover, underpass, IJP road to be completed in record time: Ali Nawaz Awan
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Capital Development Authority (CDA) Affairs, Ali Nawaz Awan on Monday expressed confidence that work on 7th Avenue underpass, flyover and IJP road would be completed in record time.
The work on the 7th Avenue underpass and flyover is expected to be completed in next 12 months, while the IJP road up-gradation would take almost one and an half year, he told the media after presiding over a meeting on these projects.
The SAPM described flyover and underpass project as landmark and said it would improve the flow of traffic in Islamabad.
He said work on 10km IJP road would start soon and would be completed with a cost of Rs 5 billion.
Awan said those two projects were gifts from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to the citizens of Islamabad.
He said the current management of CDA has carpeted and up graded all roads of Islamabad.
He said that there were no complaints of water in the city even at the peak of summer.
Ali Nawaz said Islamabad was being made more green and beautiful as massive plantation at roads, parks and green areas was underway.
Lashing out at the multi-party opposition alliance—Pakistan Democratic Movement, he said its rally in Karachi the other day backfired. The PDM was the group of selfish people, he added.
Awan said it was surprising to see that Shehbaz Sharif was concerned over the bad governance of Sindh now. Was there any development in Sindh some six months ago, he said while mocking Shehbaz for his party’s marriage of convenience with the PPP in the past.
On the occasion, he mentioned the major initiatives of the Federal Government for Sindh government including ‘4 green line service’ in Karachi, provision of anti-coronavirus vaccines and launching of Ehssas programme in Sindh.
A view of Pomegranate on a branch of tree in a fruit farm in the city
CHITRAL: August 30 A view of Pears on a branch of tree in a fruit farm in the city. APP photo by Saeed-ul-Mulk
CHITRAL: August 30 A view of Pomegranate on a branch of tree in a fruit farm in the city. APP photo by Saeed-ul-Mulk
PM briefed on construction of mega dams
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday here held a meeting with Chairman WAPDA Lt General ® Muzammil Hussain and received a briefing on the progress in the ongoing construction of mega dams.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at the construction of the dams and directed that building of dams should be ensured within the given timeframe.
He said building of new dams to meet demand for water was need of the time.
He was of the view that the construction of new dams would also help in meeting energy requirements of the country and the consumers would get inexpensive electricity.
CM to chair cabinet meeting
LAHORE, Aug 30 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar will chair the 47th cabinet meeting at his office on Tuesday to deliberate upon a 31-point agenda.
Provincial ministers, advisers, special assistants, chief secretary and others will attend the meeting.
NCOC allows 25% crowd for New Zealand matches
By Sohail Ali
LAHORE, Aug 30 (APP): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Monday announced the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has approved 25 per cent crowd attendance for the upcoming Pakistan versus New Zealand series.
New Zealand will arrive in Islamabad on 11 September with the three ODIs scheduled at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will stage the five T20Is.
The decision means around 4,500 spectators will be able to attend the ODIs scheduled on 17, 19 and 21 September, while approximately 5,500 spectators will be able to watch the 25 September, 26 September, 29 September, 1 October and 3 October T20Is.
Only spectators who are fully vaccinated and have Immunisation Certificate for Covid-19 will be allowed entry inside the stadia.
Following the NCOC decision, the PCB will shortly announce ticket prices and other details for New Zealand’s first tour to Pakistan in 18 years.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “Spectators are the essence of any sport event as they create an ambiance and atmosphere for the players to excel, perform and enjoy. In this background, we are grateful to the NCOC for allowing the PCB to invite 25 per cent crowds for the eight matches.
“I am sure following the NCOC decision, the unvaccinated cricket followers will expedite their vaccination process so that they can witness the first series on home soil between the two sides since 2003.
“This will be an opportunity for the spectators to not only enjoy some quality cricket in the season-opening series but also support and back players from either side as the ODIs count towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification, while the T20Is will lead into the ICC T20 World Cup.”
MoUs signed to enroll children under Ehsaas Education Stipends
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP):Ehsaas has inked Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training and provinces to enroll the children under Ehsaas Education Stipends.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar and Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Shafqat Mehmood co-chaired the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ehsaas and Federal Ministry for Education and Professional Training.
The MoU aimed to tap additional human resources for the roll out of Ehsaas Education Stipends programme.
On the occasion, a second MoU was also signed between Ehsaas and National Commission for Human Development (NCHD) to mobilize eligible families to enroll their children under Ehsaas Education Stipends.
“Under the umbrella of Ehsaas, the launching of Education Stipends programme is just on the anvil and preparations are in full swing to roll it out nationwide. In this regard, Ehsaas is also signing MoUs with provinces to expand education stipends programme”, Dr. Sania said.
Speaking on the occasion, Shafqat Mehmood said,“The Federal Ministry for Education and Professional Training will fully collaborate with Ehsaas to bring back out of school children to schools and reduce the dropouts.
Children of the eligible families can benefit from Ehsaas stipends to continue their studies till higher secondary education”.
There are 18.7 million out-of-school children in the country. Ehsaas Education Stipends programme has been designed in coordination with provinces, and Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training to avoid duplications; reduce disparities in primary to higher secondary education opportunities by raising attendance, school enrolment, and the school progression among out of school children particularly girls.
Children of the deserving families registered with Ehsaas can get education stipends in schools and colleges registered with the concerned Education Departments to continue their secondary and higher secondary studies. National Ehsaas survey is on its last leg, based on which, 10 million families are being identified and enrolled this year under Ehsaas Kafaalat programme.
Children in all classes, in every district, of all Ehsaas eligible families are eligible for Ehsaas Education Stipends.
Ehsaas is also signing MoUs with the Secondary Education and Higher Education/Colleges’ Departments of provinces for identifying and providing education stipends to the eligible families.
These MoUs are aimed to forge collaboration between Ehsaas and provinces for effective implementation of education conditional cash transfers (CCT).
The two MoUs were signed today at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training in Islamabad.
Federal Secretaries from the Education Ministry and Ehsaas programme also joined the ceremony along with senior officials from both the Ministries. Naveed Akbar, Director General CCT, Ehsaas and Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Additional Secretary, Federal Ministry for Education and Professional Training signed the MoU. From NCHD, Hassan Baig from NCHD signed the MoU.
U.S. Consul General visits Quaid’s mausoleum, pays tributes
KARACHI, Aug 30 (APP): U.S Consul General Karachi Mark E Stroh on Monday visited the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and paid his respect to the founder of Pakistan.
He laid a wreath at the mausoleum and signed the guestbook on behalf of the people of the United States.
Consul General Stroh noted, “I am honored today to visit the Mazar-e-Quaid and pay respects to Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah on behalf of the United States.
The partnership between the United States and Pakistan reflects the vision, values, and aspirations of the founders of both our nations: freedom, equality, religious tolerance, and pluralism.
It is my sincere hope that our shared democratic foundations will continue to infuse and strengthen the enduring friendship between the American and Pakistani people for future generations.”
He, later, visited the tombs of Liaquat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, and Fatima Jinnah, Jinnah’s sister.
He also visited the adjoining museum and took a keen interest in the artifacts related to the life of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Over 29 mln people receive COVID-19 vaccine so far in Punjab; Dr Yasmeen Rashid
RAWALPINDI, Aug 30 (APP):Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Dr Yasmeen Rashid on Monday said that around 29 million people have been vaccinated so far across the province while 600,000 to 700,000 residents of Punjab were being jabbed themselves against the COVID-19 dose daily.
Addressing a press conference here at Rawalpindi Institute of Urology(RIU), she said that as many as 1609 cases were tested positive and 24 had been died due to this deadly virus in the province during the last 24 hours.
The Minister informed that Corona affected patients were being treated at 57 public sector hospitals while the ventilators occupancy rate in the province was 72 per cent.
Giving details of the C virus positivity rate of other cities including Rawalpindi, the health minister said the positivity rate today in Rawalpindi was 13.2 per cent followed by Multan at 11.7pc, Lahore at 9.1 pc, Faisalabad at 9.1 pc while all over the province collective rate was stood at 6.63 per cent.
Dr Yasmeen apprised that around 3800 patients were treated at RIU so far while at present 220 patients were admitted to various faculties of the city.
She said that the only way to control the spread of the pandemic was vaccination, adding out of the total 220 patients admitted in the Rawalpindi’s hospital,85 per cent were those who had not been vaccinated themselves.
The Minister said, “if 70 per cent of the population get themselves jabbed against the virus, we shall be able to control it”.
She informed that 280,000 people had been vaccinated in Rawalpindi at their homes.
Talking about the completion of RIU, the Minister expressed hope that it would become functional by June 2022.
Dr Yasmeen updated that Rs 450 million have been spent on the purchase of equipment recently while installation of 30 dialysis machines, lipoatrophy machines, four modular operation theaters and a laundry plant is in the final stages at the institute.
The Minister informed that seven mother and child cent-res were being set up all over Punjab including Multan, Rajanpur, Laya, Attock and Bahawalnagar while Mother and Child centre in Mianawali would start working in March 2022.
She said that the Punjab government had allocated an amount of Rs 370 billion for the improvement of the health sector in the fiscal year 2021-22 while Rs 25 billion would be provided by the federal government.
Dr Yasmeen said the government was determined to provide the best healthcare facilities to the residents at their doorstep whereas every family of the province would avail of the health card facility by end of December.
EVMs panacea to all forms of rigging in elections: Shibli Faraz
PESHAWAR, Aug 30 (APP):Federal Minister for Science and Technology Shibli Faraz said Monday that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were panacea to all forms of rigging in elections and urged political parties to come and test these machines for holding next general elections in fair and transparent manner.
Addressing the business community at Sarhad Chamber of Commerce, Shibli Faraz said the government was striving to take the opposition on board for introduction of EVMs in elections and added these machines could be used anytime at a single place either during by-election or local bodies elections on a trial basis.
He said every election in the past remained controversial due to the faults in the process of polling and counting, adding electronic voting machines would put an end to such things and there would be stability in the country as a result of fair elections which were a prerequisite for business and economic development of the country.
He said that leveling baseless allegations and conjectures with regard to these gadgets by the opposition would be unfair, they should come and test them to satisfy themselves.
However, he added, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would decide finally about utilization of these machines. Later the EVMs were also demonstrated before participants as how it worked.
Earlier during a meeting with the business community Shibli Faraz said the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) was being revitalized with shifting its headquarters from Karachi to Islamabad to promote quality business culture and ensure standards and conformity assessment to compete internationally.
The science and technology minister said that currently the PSQCA which was mainly supposed to foster and promote standards and conformity assessment as a means of advancing the national economy was not delivering upto that level and it had been decided to make it more effective.
He said that a well qualified and experienced man with proven track record of integrity would be hired from market on Management Position scale (MP-1) as its head to lead the organization in a way that usher in boosting quality export-oriented commodities to strengthen the country’s trade balance.
Similarly, the minister added that having a strong and efficient authority would also check poor quality imports like currently low quality solar panels were received and such imports wasted foreign exchange.
He added that a national quality policy had been approved and all the concerned authorities had been directed to implement the same soon, adding that a mechanism should be worked out to increase capabilities of institutions linked with the halal food industry.
In this regard, he added that mapping of laboratories had been started so that institutions and laboratories could be strengthened to produce certified export-oriented items across the country.
The minister was of the view that more training sessions should be held to produce a skilled workforce and added that there should be strong linkages between Industry, academia and the government to manufacture quality commodities that could lead to the country’s export growth by competing in the international market.
He said that the government could not solely depend on the textile sector and there was a need to make strides in the field of technology which played a pivotal role in the mode of businesses, adding the government is now focusing on E-commerce to keep pace with the fast changing business world.
Speaking on the occasion, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce Sherbaz Ilyas Bilour highlighted a number of issues and urged the government to take prompt measures for their resolution.
Textile sector booming, records $1.49 bln exports in July: Farrukh
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP):Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Farrukh Habib on Monday said textile sector achieved pinnacle of its performance in July by recording $1.49 billion during first month of the current fiscal year 2021-22.
In a news statement issued by the minister’s office, he said when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government came into the power in 2018, textile sector was at a halt and the best price for power looms were being offered at scrap yards due to weak [economic and commerce] policies of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government.
“Today, textile sector is booming. In July [2021-22] alone, textile exports reached $1.49 billion dollars which is 17 per cent higher than the last year’s July,” he added.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s exports friendly steps had started bearing fruits, the minister said while pointing to 19.7 per cent growth in overall exports during July 2021-22.
The exports were recorded at $2.3 billion in July, he noted.
Farrukh said surge in exports helped raise foreign exchange reserves of the country amid whopping rise in the sector’s exports.
NFS&R to form joint program for up gradation of agriculture in AJK: Imam
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP):Ministry of National Food Security & Research and Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) here on Monday agreed to increase collaboration in shifting focus towards production of high value agricultural products in Azad Kashmir for upgrading the agriculture sector in AJK.
The consensus to this effect was developed in a meeting between Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam and Prime Minister of AJK Sardar Abdul Qayumm Niazi, who called on the minister.
Fakhar Imam assured the PM AJK that his ministry would provide every support available to help the agricultural transition towards high value crops.
He said that AJK has high potential for high value products such as saffron, garlic, and fruits such as peach and plum.
He said that a transition towards high value crops can uplift AJK economically. He said that the factors of production of these crops are available such as bulbs for saffron.
He said that average income of per acre saffron production is 25-30 lakh which is extremely high as compared to low value crops.
Fakhar said that every technical support would be provided to the government of AJK to upgrade the agriculture sector, adding that the livestock sector has immense potential and should be a key area of focus as well.
The minister highlighted the benefits of private and public partnerships and proposed that the local producer should be incentivized for transitioning towards high value crops.
The two dignitaries pre-emptively discussed strategies to ensure that wheat shortage does not occur. Planning was also done to ensure that prices of wheat remain low and in the reach of common people across the country.
He said that quality of silage plays a key role in the quality of livestock and thus collaboration to enhance the livestock sector should be prioritized.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Abdul Qayuum Khan Niazi said that a new policy will be made to oversee the transition towards high value crops in collaboration with the ministry of national food security and research.
He said that tea plantation was once an area of focus but due to lack of vision of the previous governments it has seen little progress. He said that long term planning is the key towards meaningful output in the agriculture sector.
Both the sides also agreed to make a long-term strategy to ensure that policies are implemented by the future governments as well.
Opposition leader making efforts to save plundered national wealth: Gill
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP):Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill on Monday said that opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif was busy to save plundered national wealth rather to address the public’s issues.
In response to the statement given by Shahbaz Shairf, he said despite remaining in power corridor for almost three decades, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) did not bother to take care of small provinces and always usurped the rights of small provinces, he added.
The opposition leader should tell what he had done in legislation related to address public issues so far, he posed a question.
He said development budgets allocated for small cities were spent on metro bus and orange line train projects in the past.
Gill said that expensive power generation agreements were inked by PML-N. Expensive electricity was generated but no heed was given towards transmission system, he added.
He said the incumbent government allocated hefty amount of Rs 225 billion for energy sector. Similarly, a sum of Rs 118 billion was earmarked for upgradation of transmission line system and improvement of grid stations, he added.
Gill said that Prime Minister Imran Khan re-negotiated expensive power projects with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to provide affordable electricity to the people.
Alvi advises banks to facilitate research students
KARACHI, Aug 30 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday advised the banks to develop relationship with universities in Pakistan to guide the research students in conducting studies at par with the latest trends and demands of the market.
Speaking as the chief guest at the 4th Roundtable Conference on Islamic Banking here, the President asked why there was a need to establish a separate organization for research when the students of universities were carrying out studies on a variety of topics.
He said the research students should be given guidance and patronage by the banking sector so as to align their efforts with the market requirements and modern trends.
The banks would get the required researches, while the students would be encouraged to work with more dedication, he added.
Dr Arif Alvi said the concentration of capital was painful and it was against the teachings of Islam too as a good Islamic society opposed the accumulation of wealth.
Distribution of inheritance of wealth and property immediately after death of a person was also spirit of the teachings of Islam, he said.
He also called for establishing Islamic Shariah Compliance Instruments in Pakistan.
The President observed that the discrepancies between the rich and the poor sections had largely increased during 2014 to 2018.
The President said the institutions and organizations all over the world were being compelled to safeguard the interests of their customers, workers, and society besides ensuring justice.
Dr Alvi called for dedicating a proportion of loans by the banking sector for financing on women empowerment to enable them contribute positively in the sustainable development of the country.
Those who spoke on the occasion included Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr Ishrat Hussain, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Reza Baqir, Chairperson Pakistan Stock Exchange, Dr Shamshad Akhter, and Chairman Shariah Board of Sindh Bank – Islamic Banking Division Mufti Muhammad Najeeb Khan. Governor of Sindh, Imran Ismail and other notables were also in attendance.
Dr Ishrat Hussain said that Islamic Banking system got the potential to meet the modern challenges and it could appear as an alternative to the conventional system.
He said both the parties got equitable shares in profit under the Islamic banking which, he termed as a beauty of the system.
Dr Ishrat Hussain also urged the Islamic banking to pay attention to the neglected sectors.
Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr Reza Baqir apprised the participants that the Islamic banking facility was available in over 60 countries and it was moving in the right direction.
He told the gathering that the Pakistani nationals settled abroad took keen interest in Shariah- compliant system.
The response of the people on all the schemes which had been launched in the past two years in line with the Shairah- compliant were remarkable, he recalled.
He also called for designing products for the agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector under the Shariah-Compliant system, to facilitate the people attached with these sectors.
Speaking on the occasion, Mufti Najeeb said efforts were being made all over the world to promote the Islamic banking.
He also suggested that the Islamic banking should be incorporated in the education curriculum of the country.
He said steps should be taken to create awareness among the masses about the Islamic banking and promotion of Halal industry.
Addressing on the occasion, Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Shaukat Tarin appreciated the organizers for holding conference on the Islamic banking.
He expressed confidence that the participants of the conference will objectively analyze progress made so far in the Islamic banking industry and will contemplate upon the ways and means how to diverse the future path for taking the industry in the next phase of development.
The finance minister said that the Islamic Banking had grown rapidly, both in the local and international financial markets.
He said that Islamic finance system is a prudence financing option that ensures funds are employed for the prescribed purpose.
He said that since Pakistan suffers from low financial services penetration the Islamic banking empowering the poor and vulnerable groups, thus, this can help in poverty alleviation.
He expressed joy that the Islamic banking system is progressing in Pakistan and the government has played a pivotal role in promotion and development of Islamic banking as result of which today it was recognized as a stable and resilient segment of the overall banking industry.
He said that provision of a level playing field to the Islamic banking and financial industry and conventional system had been one of the priority areas.
He said that the current government as a part of the national financial inclusion strategy aimed at enhancing the share of Islamic Bank share to 25 percent by 2023.
He said that the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) efforts for development of Islamic banking were commendable. The SBP and Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) were taking a number of measures for promotion of Islamic banking in Pakistan, he added.
He said that the Islamic banking expected to more actively venture in the currently under-served areas like agriculture, SMEs, mircofinance, infrastructure and housing as these can play an important role in GDP growth, employment generation and overall development of the country.
NCOC shares detailed “Obligatory Regime for Vaccination” plan to overcome pandemic
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP):The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has shared a detailed plan of implementing to impost Obligatory Regime for Vaccination to overcome the deadly contagious disease of coronavirus with all the federating units.
The Forum has worked out a phase wise strategy with the core focus on emphasising that high vaccination ratio is fundamental to success of “Pandemic Exit Strategy” in the country, said an official NCOC document available with APP that included the detailed strategy to enforce Vaccination Obligatory Regime.
“An organized regime has been strategized to realize the successful exit strategy and achieve desired tangible vaccination targets. Aforementioned, an obligatory regime will be followed from dates mentioned against each. No individual will be entertained in under mentioned sectors, if vaccination criteria as described below are not met,” it underscored in the disclaimer.
The sector-wise strategy included Sector Description, cut date for Partial Vaccination and Complete Vaccination.
The Education Sector was required to balance teachers, administrative and transport staff plying with educational institutes during Covid-19 vaccine inoculations for partial vaccination by August 31 and complete vaccination by September 30.
For the Air Travel both domestic and international including inbound and outbound), permission for partially vaccinated was already in place whereas complete vaccination to enforced by September 30.
Moreover, in order to contain disease spread risk in larger public crowding places entry in shopping malls would be ensured for partially vaccinated by August 31 and fully vaccinated by September 30.
Hotel and guest houses bookings for partially inoculated by August 31 and fully vaccinated September 30. Dine in and outdoor dining at hotels, restaurants and marriage halls and ceremonies for partially vaccinated was in place and by September 30 only completely vaccinated to avail these services.
The deadline for partial and complete vaccination of students of 17 years age and above was September 15 and October15 respectively. Moreover, the final dates for partial and complete inoculations of the staff of trains, buses, vans, coasters, taxis, home delivery services etc., alongwith staff of any facility operating within premises of railway station, bus stops, taxi stands and other public transports was September 15 and October 15 respectively.
The services at public dealing offices of all types of government and private entities for only partial and completely vaccinated individuals to be enforced from September 15 and October 15 respectively.
For travelling by rail and road would be allowed to only partial and completely vaccinated individuals by September 15 and October 15 respectively.
During the enforcement regime, the stage-1 would target public transport on Motorways, in stage- 2. public transport plying at National Highways, intra and inter-city private transport and mass transit transport (metro, BRT, orange train etc) would allow partial and completely vaccinated individuals by September 30 and October 31.
The NCOC had provided a detailed implementation methodology to all the federating units which commenced from soft launch of obligatory regime.
However, the Obligatory regime would be launched in phases. “First phase i.e. Soft Launch (1-15 September) will be used for extensive communication and advertisement at prominent places (Bus stands, ticketing offices, toll plazas, rest areas and railways stations),” it added.
The people would not be denied any facility, instead they would be asked to get vaccinated (federating units to ensure availability of mob vaccination teams at required places.
In order to ensure compliance of the Obligatory regime for vaccination a monitoring mechanism was also part of the strategy.
It would comprise of checking transport at point of origin (Bus Stands) where all types al public transport would be checked for vaccination at point of origin by bus stop manager.
Mobile Vaccination Teams (MVTs) should be placed for vaccination at bus stand, rest areas and other suitable locations, it added.
The NCOC strategy underlined that the bus stand manager would sign a verification certificate (having date and time on a format given by federating unit whereas the verification certificate to be displayed on wind screen of public transport for unhindered crossing at toll plazas.
For enforcement and compliance, traffic, motorways and national highways police and district administration will be responsible for implementation. Vaccination is mandatory for complete staff working at bus stands, it said.
“No tickets will be issued to unvaccinated. Moreover, ticket checkers and other staff will be responsible for enroute checking. MVTs would be made available at railway stations,” the NCOC strategy underlined.
The existing mechanism of checking vaccine certificates at the airports before issuing boarding passes to be further streamlined whereas an IT based (minimum human intervention) -efforts were being made to develop system for linking ticketing of PIA, Pakistan Railways, selected bus services and M-tags and motorways toll plazas with National Immunization Management System NIMS.
In order to ensure vaccination at Public Offices and Educational Institutions, it would be the prime responsibility of head of institution and office. Moreover, district administration teams would also supervise implementation.
The vaccination at Hotels, Restaurants and Shopping Malls would be the responsibility of the owner.
“Violators will be checked by police and district administration,” it added.
The Forum also proposed a three tiered monitoring mechanism where in the first one, a Self Monitoring by owner of malls, hotels, restaurants etc., and head of institutions of schools, colleges and public offices.
In the second Tier, monitoring by local civil administration through random checking and verification would be made whereas in the third one, monitoring mechanism by NCOC and provinces through random checking and seeking regular feedback would be made.
The Forum requested all federating units, institution and entities were requested to implement obligatory regime in true letter and spirit.
Shahbaz should ask Nawaz to return home, face court cases: Fawad
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhary Fawad Hussain said on Monday that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Shahbaz Sharif instead of bringing millions of people to Islamabad, should ask his brother Nawaz Sharif to return from London and face court cases.
Reacting to a press conference of Shahbaz Sharif, he said that Sharif brothers should face cases against them in courts of law.
Terming the tirade of Shahbaz Sharif as ridiculous, Chaudhry Fawad said that he should not make such frivolous statements at Mazar of Quaid-e-Azam.
He said that on the one hand, millions of rupees had been spent on grandson’s wedding in London while on the other hand, they were crying that people of Pakistan were facing problems due to inflation.
He said that the crocodile tears shed by the PML-N leadership over inflation and price hike were manifestation of their duplicity.
Chaudhry Fawad asked Shahbaz Sharif to quit politics and hold consultations with his lawyers.
He said that owing to the strong court cases against Shahbaz Sharif, it did not seem that he would be able to address public rallies for long time.
He said at a time when the focus of whole world was on Afghanistan, the PML-N leadership has not uttered a word about it.
The manner in which the PML-N leadership was seeking the support of the world powers was disgraceful, he remarked.
Taking a jibe at the PML-N, he said that they have toss for party presidency on monthly basis.
He said this time Shahbaz Sharif was the president, next time it would be Maryam Nawaz and then Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
PM for taking all measures to stabilize prices of basic essential items
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP): Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday ordered the provincial Chief Secretaries to ensure all possible administrative measures to stabilize the prices of basic essential items particularly to check the illogical difference of prices at wholesale and retail levels.
As the prices of basic essential items hit the common man, the present government’s foremost priority was to protect them, he added.
The Prime Minister was presiding over a meeting held here to review demand and supply as well as the prices of basic essential items.
Minister for Finance Shaukat Train, Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam, Advisor to PM on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, Minister of State for Information Farrukh Habib, Special Assistants to PM Dr. Shehzab Gill, Dr. Sania Nishtar, Jamshed Iqbal Cheema and Secretaries of the relevant ministries. While Provincial Chief Secretaries and senior officers attended the meeting via video-link.
The Prime Minister said that as mere action against the officers of administration was not enough, results of the administrative steps should be seen so that masses get relief.
He directed to ensure comprehensive planning and timely measures keeping in view the future needs of sugar and wheat.
The Prime Minister was presented a comparative review of the prices of basic essential items across the country with particular focus on the prices at wholesale and retail levels.
The meeting was briefed in detail about the existing sugar and wheat stocks in the country and the measures being taken to cater to the future requirements.
The meeting was also briefed about the steps being taken to bring about a significant reduction in the prices of edible oil.
Chief Secretary Punjab briefed the meeting about administrative measures taken for stabilization of prices in the province.
The meeting was told that action was being taken against the officers not fulfilling their responsibilities with regard to stabilization of prices.
Besides the suspension of 07 Assistant Commissioners and 02 Secretaries of Market Committees so far, warning has also been issued to 02 Deputy Commissioners, it was told.
The Prime Minister was told that in order to reduce the prices of edible oil, dialogue with the relevant stakeholders had entered the final stages, as a result of which the price of edible oil was expected to drop by Rs 10 to RS 15 per kg.
Banks to develop links with universities for conducting researches at par with market trends: President
KARACHI, Aug 30 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday advised the banks to develop links with universities for nurturing the trend of conducting research on latest trends and demands of the market. Speaking as a chief guest in the 4th Roundtable conference on Islamic Banking here, the President said why there was a need to establish separate organization for research when the students of universities were carry out studies on a variety of topics as a requirement of Mhil and Ph.D studies. He said the research students should be given guidance and patronage by the banking sector so as to align their efforts with the market requirements and modern trends. The banks would get the required researches while the students would be encouraged to work with more dedication, he added. Dr. Arif Alvi said the concentration of capital was painful and was too against the teachings of Islam as a good Islamic society opposed the accumulation of wealth. Transfer of inheritance of wealth and property immediately after death of a person was the also spirit of the teachings of Islam, he noted. He also called for establishing Islamic Shariah Compliance Instruments in Pakistan.The President observed that the discrepancies between the rich and poor sections had largely increased during the period of 2014 to 2018. The President said the institutions and organizations all over the world were being compelled to safeguard the interests of their customers, workers, society and also ensure justice. Dr Alvi also called for dedicating a proportion of loans by the banking sector for financing on women empowerment to enable them contribute positively in the sustainable development of the country. Earlier, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Reza Baqir, Chairperson Pakistan Stock Exchange, Dr. Shamshad Akhter, Chairman Shariah Board of Sindh Bank – Islamic Banking Division Mufti Muhammad Najeeb Khan also spoke while Governor of Sindh, Imran Ismail and other notables were also in attendance. Addressing the occasion, Dr. Ishrat Hussain said that Islamic Banking system got the potential to meet the modern challenges and it could appear as an alternative to the conventional system. He said both the parties got equitable shares in profit under the Islamic banking which, he termed as a beauty of the system. Dr. Ishrat Hussain also called for need to pay attention by the Islamic banking to the neglected sectors. Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Reza Baqir apprised the participants that the Islamic banking facility was available in over 60 countries and said it was moving in the right direction. He told the gathering that the Pakistani nationals settled aboard took keen interests in Shariah-complaint system. The response of the people on all the schemes which had been launched in the past two years in line with the Shairah-complaint were remarkable, he recalled. He also called for designing products for the agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sectors under the Shariah-Complaint system, to facilitate the people attached to these sectors. Speaking on the occasion, Mufti Najeeb said efforts were being made all over the world to promote the Islamic banking. Mufti Najeeb also suggested that the Islamic banking should be incorporated in the education curriculum of the country. He called for need to take steps to create awareness among the masses about the Islamic banking and promotion of Halal industry.\9328/30/2021 3:55:39 PM
Fawad urges world, regional powers to support for formatting inclusive Afghan government
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (APP):Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Monday said an inclusive government was imperative for Afghanistan urging the world and regional powers to support the process.
Talking to Turkish news channel TRT World, he said if mistakes of the past would be repeated in Afghanistan, the situation would get worse.
The government in Afghanistan has to be formed by Afghans, he said adding, the regional and the world powers have a heavy responsibility in facilitating this process. Pakistan was trying for installation of an all-inclusive broad based government in Afghanistan, he said adding, the country had been left alone in the past, and now the world was repeating the same mistakes.
“If the same mistakes are repeated again, that means we will create a hub of extremists organizations right at the border of Pakistan which is obviously hugely worrisome for us.”
He said when erstwhile Soviet Union withdrew from Afghanistan in 1988, Pakistan had to deal with the situation and now the United States and NATO forces have withdrawn rapidly from Afghanistan, and Pakistan again was at the quagmire of the situation and dealing with the issue.
Now Pakistan was keeping a close eye on this issue, said the minister adding that if the Afghanistan situation did not stabilize, millions of people would start moving towards Pakistan.
He said that Pakistan has already been hosting 3.5 million Afghan refugees for decades and Pakistan’s economy could no longer bear the burden of more refugees.
The efforts of the international community were necessary to solve the Afghan problem, said Chaudhry Fawad Hussain.
He said Pakistan was playing the role of a responsible country and striving for a stable Afghanistan was working with regional and international powers. Unrest in Afghanistan, he said, was detrimental not only to Pakistan but to the entire world.
To a question, he said as the change was bloodless, there was no crisis for refugees at the moment and borders were normal right now.
“We have evacuated foreigners and those working in foreign companies from Kabul”, he said adding that over 4500 people have been evacuated from Kabul through Pakistan International Airlines. He said arrangements have been made for refugees at the border.
The minister said a comprehensive strategy has been formulated with regard to Afghan refugees as the government did not want to repeat the 1979 situation. It would not allow the refugees to move inside Pakistan. The world, he said, should come forward to help Pakistan for meeting the challenge.
He said the world did not pay heed to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s advice, adding, the former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani did not hold general elections in the country which resulted in present crisis due to lack of the consensus government.
He said that two tracks including the troika plus including Russia, China, US and Pakistan and the other track comprising regional countries Turkey, Pakistan, Central Asia and Iran should take the leadership.
The minister said Pakistan and Turkey were in close cooperation on the issue as they were partners in peace in Afghanistan.