Islamabad : Prime Minister Imran Khan has congratulated Founder of Akhuwat Foundation, Dr Amjad Saqib for getting this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award, which is Asia’s highest honour.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said we are proud of Dr Amjad Saqib’s achievement as we move forward in creating a welfare state based on Riasat-e-Madina Model.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported 101 more deaths in the last 24 hours by COVID-19. The nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 25,889 on Wednesday.
According to the latest figures issued by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 3,559 persons tested positive for COVID-19, lifting the overall number of infections in the country to 1,163,688.
Pakistan has conducted 53,637 tests in the past 24 hours out of which 3,559 persons tested positive for the disease. The COVID Positivity Ratio was recorded at 6.63 per cent as compared to yesterday’s 7.36%.
The NCOC said 5,690 people are in critical condition.
So far, a total of 55,178,137 vaccine doses have been administered to the masses across the country.
Out of 55,178,137, the number of fully vaccinated people against the coronavirus is 16,866,627, while 42,720,675 partial doses have been administered to date.
The booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be available in 18 cities across the country including five in Punjab province, three in Sindh, four in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), one in Balochistan, two in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), two in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and federal capital Islamabad.
The booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine would be administered to those people who are travelling abroad and aged above 12-year-old at the government vaccination centres.
New Maternal and Child Health Center will be established under this project
Staff Report/DNA
ISLAMABAD: Japan has extended a grant assistance of JPY3,445 million (approx. US$31.4 million) to Pakistan for the extension of maternal and child health care facilities in Sindh. Notes to this effect were signed and exchanged between MATSUDA Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan and Mr. Zulfiqar Haider, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, in Islamabad on August 31st, 2021. Subsequently, Grant Agreement was signed and exchanged between Mr. FURUTA Shigeki, Chief Representative of JICA Pakistan Office and Ms. Adeela Bokhari, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
New Maternal and Child Health Center will be established Under this project, a new maternal and child health center will be established at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, which is a public medical institution serving as the regional hub hospital in Hyderabad district.
The maternal and child health center will have the departments of obstetrics and pediatrics, including a labor room, an obstetrics ward, a neonatal intensive care unit, a maternal and fetal intensive care unit, a laboratory and outpatient consultation rooms. In addition, around 120 items of medical equipment including newborn incubators and ultrasonic diagnostic device are to be installed.
The project is scheduled to be completed by August 2024. With the opening of the center, access to maternal and child health services in the area will be substantially improved. For example, three years after completion, the maternal and fetal intensive care unit will have nearly 100 patients and the neonatal intensive care unit will have more than 400 patients annually. In addition, the annual number of deliveries and outpatients will also increase significantly. As a result, local patients will not have to travel a long distance to Karachi.
Japan attaches importance to the health & medical sector in Pakistan For decades, Japan has put a priority on the health sector in the economic and social development of Pakistan, such as enhancement of maternal and child health, polio eradication, routine immunization and counter-COVID-19 measures.
In the last decade prior to the project in Jamshoro, Japan has implemented the following projects in Karachi and Islamabad in terms of maternal and child health:
– The Project for the Extension of Intensive Care at Maternal and Child Health Care Centre and Children’s Hospital in Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) (April 23, 2019, approx.$33 million)
– The Project for the Improvement of Child Health Institute in Karachi (December 21, 2012, approx. $13 million)
Furthermore, Japan has been supporting the Polio Eradication program in Pakistan since 1996. The grant and loan contribution from Japan has amounted to $226.37 million.
As far as COVID-19 is concerned, Japan has extended a total of $23.5 million in grant to Pakistan for supplementing its counter-COVID-19 measures as follows:
– Feb 2020: Delivery of diagnostic kits
– Apr-May 2020: Disbursement of a total of $7.41 million to UNICEF, IOM, IFRC, UNHCR and UNOPS for providing hygiene items, training health workers, providing alternative learning opportunities etc.
– Dec 2020: Grant Assistance of $9.5 million to NDMA for procuring medical equipment.
– Mar 2021: Grant Assistance of $6.59 million to UNICEF for improving vaccine cold-chain.
In addition to the above, Japan and Pakistan agreed on debt deferral amounting to \40 billion (approx. $370 million) for making fiscal space to fight COVID-19 in Pakistan. Through JICA projects, personal protective equipment and masks were provided to PIMS, WHO Polio Laboratory (Islamabad), and immunization project workers in KP province.
Ambassador MATSUDA added, “Provision of health and medical service is the most basic human necessities in every country across the world. Among them, women and children are still in a vulnerable position, which is reflected in the high maternal and infant mortality rate in Pakistan. Japan will continue to provide assistance that will directly benefit vulnerable people in Pakistan.” Mr. FURUTA also remarked, “A number of care facilities to treat mothers and babies with complications is very limited in Sindh. As a result, patients are concentrated in advanced medical facilities.
This project will not only alleviate the pressure of tertiary hospitals in Karachi and Hyderabad, but also open up opportunities for families from all over southern part of Sindh, with improved accessibility and better chances of saving lives.”
Japan provides aid in human capitals On the same day, the Notes and grant agreement for the the project of the Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS) was also signed so that the fourth batch of the project to be commenced.
The aforementioned grant aid is worth JPY312 million (approx. US$2.9 million) which allow maximum 20 Pakistan Government officers to study in Japanese Universities to obtain Masters’ or Doctoral Degree. The purpose of JDS is to strengthen the Government officers’ administrative capacity through the study in Japan and to build a solid friendship as well as diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan.
The project started in 2018 in Pakistan and 51 persons in total have joined the project and started the Japanese Universities. JDS fellows are studying in the field either (1) Public Administration and Finance, (2) Energy policy, (3) Industrial Promotion, Investment climate and Trade, (4) Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development, and (5) Disaster Management. There are six Japanese partner universities and the fellows are studying with Japanese/International students from various parts of the world for two or three years depending on the type of the degree they wish to obtain. As the application for this fourth batch will hopefully be starting from Autumn 2021, It is hoped that many officers who are willing to contribute to Pakistan in formulating and implementing social and economic policies for the development of the country, will actively apply for the project to make the best use of this opportunity.
War-weary Afghans divided on Taliban rule as US forces depart; Taliban in talks with Qatar, Turkey to manage Kabul airport
DNA/News Desk
Kabul,– In the early hours of Tuesday, hails of gunfire filled the skies above cities across Afghanistan as the Taliban celebrated the final withdrawal of foreign forces after a 20-year US-led occupation of the country. Taliban are in talks with Qatar, Turkey to manage Kabul airport.
Just after midnight local time, US Central Command Commander, General Kenneth McKenzie, declared, “Every single US service member is now out of Afghanistan.” With those 10 words, McKenzie brought an official end to Washington’s longest-ever foreign incursion. As the final US military plane departed Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport, the Taliban looked on in triumph.
Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, took to Twitter, writing: “The last American occupier withdrew … at 12 O’clock and our country gained its full independence, praise and gratitude be to God.”
Members of the group spent the rest of the early morning hours of Tuesday in an ecstatic state of revelry, firing round after round into the pitch-black sky. They had defeated the foreign forces that had hunted them for 19 years.
By sunrise, though, it became clear to the Afghan people that the dawn had brought with it an uncertain future. After two decades of foreign occupation, the nation, currently being led by the Taliban, will be left to face the security threat of the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, ISKP (ISIS-K), an armed group, and potential economic insolvency with no indication of foreign assistance.
While the Taliban were in a celebratory mood, many Kabulis spent Tuesday in the manner they had spent the last week, waiting for hours in line outside banks, desperate to withdraw cash from automated teller machines, many of which remain switched off.
Omid, 26, said more than the absence of foreign forces, Afghans are concerned about being able to put food on the table in the coming days. He pointed to a line stretching for hundreds of metres outside the Azizi Bank branch near the Presidential Palace as proof of that very real fear.
“They’re all out here to buy flour and feed their families, but every 100 people that make it in, 2,000 others will go home empty-handed.”
The information minister says he hopes for peace to prevail in Afghanistan
Shujaat Hamza
ISLAMABAD: In Pakistan’s bid to exit from the UK’s travel red list, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan will speak this week at length about Pakistan’s coronavirus testing mechanism with Britain’s chief medical scientist.
This was announced by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday during his post-cabinet meeting media briefing.
Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had spoken to his British counterpart Boris Johnson, who believed that deliberations should be held over the testing mechanism in Pakistan.
“We are putting in all our efforts to have Pakistan moved out of UK’s red list, as it affects numerous Pakistani families,” the information minister said.
Pakistan’s name, in the latest review of the country’s travel ban, was retained on the red list, despite a diplomatic offensive by several top government officials.
The British government said that it had decided to keep Pakistan on the travel ban red list because the true number of COVID-19 cases are likely much higher than reported across the country, a leaked letter written by Britain’s health minister revealed.
The information minister said he hopes for peace to prevail in Afghanistan, hours after the last United States troops left the war-torn country, leaving the Taliban in charge.
The Taliban celebrated their total return to power on Tuesday with gunfire and diplomacy. US’ longest military conflict drew to a close on Monday night when its forces abandoned Kabul’s airport, where it had overseen a frenzied airlift that saw more than 123,000 people flee life under the Taliban.
Taliban fighters then quickly swept into the airport and fired weapons into the sky across the city in jubilation — an astonishing return after US forces invaded in 2001 and toppled them for supporting Al Qaeda.
Meanwhile, the information minister wished for the “sad tales” of the Afghan people to come to an end, as he promised on behalf of Pakistan that it would do all it can to provide relief to them.
Speaking about evacuations, he said 10,302 people belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) were brought to Pakistan and 9,032 of them have departed to their respective countries.
“As many as 1,229 people who came from Afghanistan are present in Pakistan and they will leave within a day or two,” the information minister said, adding that of the 1,229, 545 are Afghan nationals, while 684 are foreigners.
The information minister added that of the 155 evacuees from the United States, only 42 are still present in Pakistan.
The information minister said the federal cabinet wants to make the COVID-19 booster shot, which currently costs Rs1,270, free for labourers.
The cabinet has decided to start vaccinating people aged 17 and below in stages, said Chaudhry, while praising the National Command and Control Centre for Pakistan’s response to the virus and its roll-out of vaccines.
German Foreign Minister meets PM Imran Khan and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa
Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called on Prime Minister Imran Khan German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas called on Prime Minister Imran Khan today. Views were exchanged on the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan-Germany bilateral relations.
The Prime Minister recalled his conversation with Chancellor Merkel, in which the two leaders had fruitful exchange of views on the Afghanistan situation. The Prime Minister underscored that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was vitally important for Pakistan and the region.
The Prime Minister stressed that at this pivotal moment in Afghanistan’s history, it was important for the international community to remain in support and solidarity with the Afghan people. The Prime Minister underlined that urgent steps were needed to stabilize the security situation, address humanitarian needs, and ensure economic stability in Afghanistan. These would require sustained engagement with Afghanistan, he added.
The Prime Minister underscored that both Pakistan and Germany should work closely for the promotion of shared interests relating to regional peace and stability. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas conveyed cordial greetings of Chancellor Merkel. While sharing Germany’s viewpoint on the evolving situation in Afghanistan, he thanked for Pakistan’s support and facilitation for Germany’s evacuation endeavors from Afghanistan.
Foreign Minister Maas also highlighted the celebration of 70th anniversary of establishment of Pakistan-Germany diplomatic relations during 2021. The two countries are holding a series of events to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner.
Meanwhile, Heiko Maas, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ,.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation including latest developments in Afghanistan and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed. COAS said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Germany and expressed desire for enhanced mutually beneficial bilateral relations.
The German dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s continuous efforts for peace and stability in the region and thanked the COAS for assistance rendered by Pakistan during evacuations from Kabul.
Khayam Abbasi
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of National Health Services has said that individuals travelling abroad can get a COVID booster jab across Pakistan from tomorrow.
According to the eligibility criteria, issued by the National Command and Operation Centre, every individual of 12 years and above, with the mandatory requirement of a specific vaccine, will be able to get additional dose(s) after showing valid travel documents and evidence of the intended travel.
The individuals will be required to submit a copy of this evidence at the relevant vaccination centre. The criteria also covers the categories of travellers which may be inoculated with the booster jab.
These categories include workers going abroad for employment, students going abroad for enrolment at educational institutes, Pakistani citizens who reside in other countries and require evidence of specific mandatory vaccine for their return to the country of residence, those who travel for business or official purposes, and tourists and Hajj or Umrah pilgrims.
As per the guidelines, the fee of the booster dose of vaccines is Rs1,270 per dose, which can be deposited at any National Bank of Pakistan branch.
“The cost, Rs 1,270 per dose, will be deposited in NBP (as specified by M/o NHSR&C) in in the Head of Account; C-Non-Tax Revenue, C02-Receipts from Civil Administration and other functions, C027-Community Services, Receipts; and C02721-Sale proceeds of sera and vaccines,” read the guidelines.
The guidelines further state that dedicated vaccination centres will be nominated in major cities for the administration of booster doses only. Travellers present in Islamabad can get the vaccine booster shots from the vaccination centre at Rural Health Center Tarlai.
A notification issued by the Ministry of National Health Services on Saturday stated that the people who plan to travel abroad will now be able to get booster shots.
RAWALPINDI, AUG 31 /DNA/ – Heiko Maas, Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation including latest developments in Afghanistan and bilateral cooperation in various fields were discussed. COAS said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Germany and expressed desire for enhanced mutually beneficial bilateral relations. The German dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s continuous efforts for peace and stability in the region and thanked the COAS for assistance rendered by Pakistan during evacuations from Kabul.
AFZAL JAVED
ISLAMABAD, AUG 31: Former Pakistan number one Nasir Iqbal has stormed back into contention with a resounding win against top seed and world number 44 Tayyab Aslam to win the PSF-Combaxx Sports squash championship at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Tuesday.
Air Marshal Aamir Masood Senior Vice President Pakistan Squash Federation graced the closing ceremony as Chief Guest and distributed trophies and prizes to the finalists along with CEO Combaxx Sports Omer Saeed and Pakistan Squash Federation secretary Wing Commander Armghan Aziz were also present during the ceremony. The five days event was organized by with the collaboration with Combaxx Sports
Nasir fought back from two games down to beat Tayyab Aslam by 8-11,10-12. The match lasted 49 minutes: It was all going well for Tayyab as he was dictating terms right from the beginning, by winning first two games in style, he was seen handling court well and making full use of Nasir’s raw shorts but It was Nasir who found his momentum entered into the third game. A closed third game saw Nasir making full use of abilities, sending in some rasping winners to upstage Tayyab.
World Number 44 on the other hand found going tuff as he was losing battle against stamina and it was seen conceding points easily twice he fell down in the court after colliding with Nasir. Tayyab was seen more engage in physical context rather than engaging in a game battle.
On the other hand Nasir playing with the more authority sending in one winner after another to turn the game in his favor. Nasir scooped up his first major title in a while by winning last three games by 11-8, 11-5, and 11-4.
Speaking on the occasion Air Marshal Aamir Masood hoping that the players will focus on their fitness to win the major international events, adding that Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Squash Federation will provide all possible facilities to all players in this regard.
