BEIJING, MAR 7: The Chinese government’s top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, on Sunday said Hong Kong’s electoral system must be improved for long-term stability.
Speaking at his annual news conference, he said during colonial times there was no democracy in Hong Kong, and that China has confidence it will usher in a brighter future for the territory.
ANKARA, MAR 7: It is a very important development that Egypt has made a tender on hydrocarbon exploration in the eastern Mediterranean respecting Turkey’s continental shelf limits, the Turkish national defense minister said on Saturday.
“We have many historical and cultural values in common with Egypt. When they are put in use, we consider that there may be different developments in the coming days,” Hulusi Akar said during the Blue Homeland 2021 tactical exercise.
He said Turkey considers works on such agreements and memorandums of understanding with Egypt under the maritime jurisdiction limits that the country declared to the UN.
“In this regard, our Foreign Ministry continues the necessary work in coordination with relevant institutions, organizations, and ministries,” he said, expecting to get positive results from these efforts.
Akar followed the Blue Homeland 2021 activities from the Turkish seismic research vessel Oruç Reis together with high-ranking military officials. He also addressed the personnel in the ships that took part in the exercise via video conference.
“You are not only protecting our rights, concerns, and interests in our seas but also making an important contribution to world peace and stability by waving our flag in all the world’s seas,” Akar said.Highlighting the importance of these exercises, he thanked all who contributed to the planning and performance of the exercise. The observer day activity of the Blue Homeland ended with a parade at sea.
Last August, Turkey resumed energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean after Greece and Egypt signed a controversial maritime delimitation deal, spurning Turkey’s goodwill gesture in halting the exploration.
Egypt last August signed an agreement with Greece, delimiting their borders in the Eastern Mediterranean, but some details of the deal only recently emerged, including Egypt respecting Turkey’s maritime territory.
Declaring the Greek-Egyptian deal “null and void,” Turkey authorized the Oruç Reis to continue its activities in an area within Turkey’s continental shelf.
Drawing attention to issues between Turkey and Greece, Akar said: “We are in favor of solving problems through dialogue in line with international law, good neighborly relations, and we are open to talks.”
Turkey has consistently opposed Greece’s efforts to declare an exclusive economic zone based on small islands near Turkish shores, violating the interests of Turkey, the country with the longest coastline in the Mediterranean.
Ankara has also said energy resources near Cyprus must be shared fairly between the TRNC and the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus.
Akar pointed out that countries carry out various exercises under international law to develop their armed forces, test their systems, and increase the skills of their personnel.
“Our Blue Homeland 2021 tactical exercise is an exercise carried out entirely within the framework of international law, to increase our experience, knowledge, and skills,” he said.
He also said the Turkish land, naval, and air forces along with Gendarmerie General Command and Coast Guard elements participated in the exercise.
“At the same time with the drill, we simultaneously continue our other national, international, and NATO missions with the same determination,” Akar noted.
He added: “In a period of rising risks, threats, and dangers, NATO solidarity has become even more important. In this regard, we have a very constructive, planned, and programmed relationship within NATO.”
ISLAMABAD, MAR 7: Social media was buzzing with curiosity Saturday night. Rumours had it that fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is getting engaged to former skipper Shahid Afridi’s daughter.
While the news is yet to confirmed by the families, a journalist, Ihtisham Ul Haq, took to Twitter and confirmed that the two will be tying the knot soon.
“With permission from both families, I would like to clarify the engagement rumours between Shaheen Afridi and the daughter of Shahid Afridi,” he tweeted. “The proposal has been accepted; it is thought that a formal engagement will be done within two years, following the completion of her [Shahid Afridi’s daughter] education.”
Haq added that the reason for the clarification was to protect the privacy of both the families.
Following this, fans of the cricketers rejoiced on social media and a lot of prayers were sent to both families.
Shujaat Hamza
ISLAMABAD, MAR 7: Cars disappeared on Jinnah Avenue on Sunday to make way for ‘Cycling Sunday’ and hundreds of cyclists and walkers of all ages and abilities.
The joyful and carefree moment highlighted a serious message: the need for sustainable means of transportation in light of climate change and rapid urbanization. It also encouraged citizens to make healthier and more sustainable lifestyle choices, for themselves, the community and the environment.
The event was organized by Urban Innovation, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and the Islamabad Cycling Association. Support was provided by the European Union. Every first Sunday of the month, Jinnah Avenue, the capital’s primary thoroughfare, is open exclusively for cyclists from Centaurus mall to D-Chowk.
Taking advantage of the safe, traffic-free space, cyclists participated in fun races with categories for all ages, skills parkour for kids and other activities. And they simply enjoyed a car- and carefree ride on the central avenue. Cities around the world are confronted with problems such as traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and road accidents. In response to these pressing issues, policy-makers are increasingly looking for ways to develop more eco-friendly, diverse and flexible transportation systems, and influence behaviors to encourage a shift away from the reliance on private cars.
Cycling is considered an ideal alternative, not only for shorter distances, due to its cost-effectiveness, and multiple benefits in terms of health and environment. Cycling Sunday promotes cycling as a safe mobility in line with the Prime Minister’s Clean and Green Pakistan initiative. On the eve of the International Women’s Day, the event particularly encouraged women to become cyclists and underlined the need to address the concerns of women in terms of safety and access to public spaces and transportation. Naveed Iftikhar, founder of Urban Innovation and one of the initiator of the event, said, “The feeling of cycling in the city center is something which I aspired to regenerate through this event. Such events will invite people to consider cycling as a great option not only for leisure, but also for commuting and in daily life. Finally, we call on the government to create safe spaces for cyclists to encourage cycling as a sustainable means of transportation.”
Haroon, Secretary of Islamabad Cycling Association, said, “There are more and more people who are cycling in their free time to stay fit and as a sport. It is great to see this trend growing and we are delighted to bring it to the heart of the city with races for the ambitious riders, but also just for fun.”
The European Union supported the initiative in light of its global priorities related to climate change, but also as cycling has become a major trend in Europe in the last years. Transport accounts for nearly 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and this figure continues to rise as demand grows.
The European Green Deal is a set of policy initiatives by the EU with the overarching aim of making Europe climate neutral in 2050. This means moving to more sustainable transportation, by putting users first and providing them with more affordable, accessible, healthier and cleaner alternatives – and promoting active modes of transport such as cycling. Covid-19 has given a boost to the trend seen across most European cities.
More and more Europeans are using a bicycle in their daily lives. And cities are adapting by providing more space for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport to solve traffic problems and make the cities more livable and sustainable for all. In this context, the EU is looking forward to working with the authorities to share experiences and create awareness of the potential of cycling and other active and clean modes of transport.
BEIJING, March 7 : Pakistan being an important strategic ally of China will be a beneficiary of the decisions to be made by the going annual sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), says a report published by Gwadar Pro on Sunday.
Both the countries are also celebrating 70 Years of their diplomatic relations and in a recently hosted ceremony simultaneously in Beijing and Islamabad wherein official logo of the celebrations has been inaugurated between the two states kick starting the festivities of togetherness.
The recent announcement by President Xi Jinping about victory against the poverty is an important milestone achieved before the opening of the two sessions. Poverty alleviation has remained at the top agenda of the government of China to help ensure people’s wellbeing and development.
According to the report, as China’s economy is growing and steadily rising, this bodes well for Pakistan. This steady growth and poverty alleviation announcement made recently by China will create a strong impact on Pakistan’s economic progress.
This is because of increasing engagement of Pakistan’s economy with China, not only through CPEC projects and infrastructure development, but the ongoing exports, imports, technological advancement will help Pakistan have an overall comprehensive economic development.
China, a country of 1.4 billion population is offering huge lucrative opportunities for countries like Pakistan to expand the trade base and avail the opportunities offered by China especially in terms of business and development options.
As a result of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement has its Phase II established, there is a growing chance for Pakistani businesses to promote the export in a Zero tariff lucrative business environment.
As Chinese domestic market is widening with an increase in purchasing power as a result of the zero poverty, this gives another important opportunity for Pakistan to recover from its economic challenges to avail this “dual circulation” economic strategy by China to solve the problem of trade imbalance.
With China’s overall development agenda and the discussions during the two sessions will also focus on the BRI development plans, CPEC as a crown of BRI will benefit at the large scale.
As a result of the decision made in the two sessions, it is expected that there will be continuation of the similar level of the cooperation between China and Pakistan for collaboration in the ongoing projects under CPEC.
The Chinese next five-year plan to be discussed in the two session can be dubbed as plans of opportunities for Pakistan.
The report says, the two of the main political bodies are to finalize the development plans for the country’s projections and policies for the next year in the realm of military, diplomacy, trade, environment, and other important sectors.
Two sessions are important to increase not only national unity and cohesion amongst the length and breadth of China, help achieve country’s goals but also to reach out to global partners and reflect the steady development and engagement plans.
This year’s meeting is happening at an important stage when the Communist Party of China (CPC) is celebrating its 100 years of establishment and there is a start of the 14th Five Year Plan Period (2021-2025) for Social and Economic Development targets for 2035 along with the fact that China is recovering from the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
With all the challenges ahead, China is all set to make important announcements related to its goals in development in all spheres. Despite challenges of the pandemic, China has maintained its steady development in 2020 with GDP growth of 2.3 percent reflecting Chinese economy’s resilient nature and potential to sustain its steady growth,
It is also important to note that the recent announcement by President Xi Jinping about victory against the poverty is also an important milestone achieved before the opening of the two sessions. Poverty alleviation has remained at the top agenda of the government of China to help ensure people’s wellbeing and development.
As China’s economy is growing and steadily rising, this bodes well for Pakistan. This steady growth and poverty alleviation announcement made recently by China will create a strong impact on Pakistan’s economic progress.
This is because of increasing engagement of Pakistan’s economy with China, not only through CPEC projects and infrastructure development, but the ongoing exports, imports, technological advancement will help Pakistan have an overall comprehensive economic development.
China, a country of 1.4 billion population is offering huge lucrative opportunities for countries like Pakistan to expand the trade base and avail the opportunities offered by China especially in terms of business and development options.
As a result of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement has its Phase II established, there is a growing chance for Pakistani businesses to promote the export in a Zero tariff lucrative business environment.
As Chinese domestic market is widening with an increase in purchasing power as a result of the zero poverty, this gives another important opportunity for Pakistan to recover from its economic challenges to avail this “dual circulation” economic strategy by China to solve the problem of trade imbalance.
With China’s overall development agenda and the discussions during the two sessions will also focus on the BRI development plans, CPEC as a crown of BRI will benefit at the large scale.
As a result of the decision made in the two sessions, it is expected that there will be continuation of the similar level of the cooperation between China and Pakistan for collaboration in the ongoing projects under CPEC.
The Chinese next five-year plan to be discussed in the two session can be dubbed as plans of opportunities for Pakistan, the report added.
ISLAMABAD, Mar 07 : Rice Partners Pvt Ltd (RPL) one of the top rice exporters of Pakistan in collaboration of Helvetas Pakistan and Swiss Solidarity on Sunday organized a seminar on ‘Awareness on Standard Operating Procedure’ to ensure decent working conditions for sustainable rice production for rice millers and rice growers.
A number of representatives of following rice mills Matco Foods, Atlas Foods, Superfoods, Anwaar Corporation, Goraya Rice Mills, Engro Eximp, Khan Rice Mills, Sakina Rice Industry and Al Wahab Rice Mill participated in the event, said a press release issued by RPL here.
Besides, a dozen farmers and agriculture laborers attended the event.
Head of smart farmers Community RPL , Mr. Zafar Iqbal while giving the opening remarks highlighted the initiatives of RPL to promote and ensure decent working conditions in the rice value chain of Pakistan.
RPL has trained thousands of farmers on sustainable rice production and also provided them the facility of land laser leveling on a 50 percent cost sharing basis.
He also narrated that RPL is also working for welfare of agriculture labor. RPL established Community Mother Centres at multiple villages of district Sheikhupura in which decent environment was provided to the children of agriculture labour particularly female rice transplanters.
Senior Child Rights Activist and Consultant Dr. Waqas A Khan said that rights of children are the key of SRP protocols so the rice millers must give attention to this. He said that physical, emotional and psychological health of children belonging to agriculture labour must be considered for a conducive working environment in the rice value chain.
He said that the protection of children and vulnerable adults is a collective social responsibility.
He said that we must protect the fundamental rights of children particularly right to name, education, health, safety, security; freedom of expression, freedom of association without any discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender, religion, caste and creed.
Besides the seminar while talking to the APP, Chief Executive Officer of RPL Muhammad Ali Tariq has said, that child rights should be prioritized in every sector including the agriculture sector.
He also highlighted the mode of communication to create the awareness for children’s rights and their protection, especially who belongs to the families working in the rice value chain.
He said that to engage the children in labour work whether forcefully or voluntarily is now a crime in Pakistan and everyone who is present here must raise his/her voice against this crime.
He also highlighted the referral mechanism to report the cases of violation of rights of children.
He further added that there are a number of government and non-government organizations that are working for protection of rights of children.
Project Officer, Rice Partners Pvt Ltd, Rizwan Ali also concluded the seminar.
He said that working conditions of the farms were highly hazardous and exposed children to several risks of insect bites, injuries and infections, exposure to extreme heat and pesticides without any shelter.
He added that keeping in view the hazardous conditions of farms RPL provided moveable backpack canopies covered from all sides to the children of rice transplanters to avoid the insects and provision of shelters along with the dry food, repellents, and water coolers in rice cultivation region of the Punjab.
SUKKUR : The Pakistan Railways (PR) authorities failed to provide the latest machinery for the rescue and relief operation near Sangi railway station, where nine bogies of the Lahore-bound Karachi Express derailed.
Even in this era of modern technology, the labourers are trying to cut the damaged railway tracks with manual hand cutter. It has been nearly 12 hours since the up and down railway traffic remain suspended due to the incident.A woman passenger was killed while 30 other passengers got injured after nine bogies of Karachi Express derailed near Rohri in wee hours of Sunday.
Sources at the Civil Hospital Rohri relayed that 23 injured were brought to the health facility, eleven of whom were discharged after being given first aid while two are under treatment.
Railway officials said the train derailed due to old, rundown tracks, suspending rail traffic on the up-track. Six to eight trains were stopped at different stations after the accident, they added.
The World Health Organization has warned of lasting consequences of trauma caused by COVID-19 pandemic terming it more severe and massive than World War II.
Addressing a virtual news conference, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom said the coronavirus pandemic has affected the whole world thus its trauma is also beyond proportion so all nations have to prepare themselves to tackle it.
Evidence of mass trauma has been presented by organizations like International Council of Nurses, which warned on of the effects of pandemic on nurses’ mental health.
WASHINGTON : The US economy created more jobs than expected in February as falling new COVID-19 infections and additional pandemic relief money from the government boosted hiring at restaurants and other services businesses, firmly putting the labor market recovery back on track.
Though job growth momentum is expected to build in the months ahead amid an acceleration in the pace of vaccinations and more fiscal stimulus, it will probably take several years for the labor market to heal from the deep scars inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic, which is now in its second year.The Labor Department’s closely watched employment report on Friday showed at least 4.1 million Americans have been out of work for more than six months, accounting for 41.5% of the unemployed population in February. Another 3.5 million have permanently lost their jobs.
“There remains easy fuel for strong payroll gains in coming months as the reopening gains momentum,” said Robert Rosener, an economist at Morgan Stanley in New York. “But there is much further to go before conditions are consistent with maximum employment.”
Nonfarm payrolls surged by 379,000 jobs last month after rising 166,000 in January. Payrolls fell in December for the first time in eight months. The economy has recouped 12.7 million of the 22.2 million jobs lost in the pandemic recession.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast February payrolls increasing by 182,000 jobs. Restaurants and bars hired 286,000 workers, accounting for 75% of the payrolls gain. There were also increases in employment at hotels and motels and at amusements, gambling and recreation establishments.
Altogether, leisure and hospitality employment jumped by 355,000 jobs, making up 94% of all jobs created last month.
Temporary help, a harbinger for future hiring, increased further. Healthcare and social assistance also added jobs, and retailers hired 41,000 workers. Manufacturing payrolls increased by 21,000 jobs. About half of the factory job gains were in transportation equipment, despite a global semiconductor chip shortage, which has forced some automakers to cut production.
But construction employment decreased by 61,000 jobs because of bitter cold across the country. Government payrolls dropped by 86,000 jobs, with losses concentrated at state and local governments. The diffusion index, or measure of private industries expanding, jumped to 57.0 from 48.4 in January.
Unseasonably cold weather shortened the average workweek to 34.6 hours from 34.9 hours.
The surge in hiring follows on the heels of a strong rebound in consumer spending in January, which prompted economists to sharply upgrade their growth estimates for the first quarter.
A decrease in daily coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, and nearly $900 billion in stimulus provided by the government at the end of December are driving the revival in activity.
That has raised concerns that President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion recovery plan under consideration by Congress, combined with the Federal Reserve’s near zero interest rates and bond purchases, could cause the economy to overheat.
US Treasury yields have spiked as investors anticipate higher inflation. Biden is not backing down.
“Without a rescue plan, these gains are going to slow,” Biden said at a White House economic briefing. “We can’t afford one step forward, two steps backward. People need the help now.”
Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Thursday again brushed aside the inflation concerns, saying he expected the US central bank “will be patient” until the economy is “very far along the road to recovery.”
Stocks on Wall Street rallied, while the dollar rose against a basket of currencies. U.S. Treasury prices were higher.
LAHORE : PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Hamza Shahbaz will meet today (Sunday) to discuss important political developments, including the possibility of an in-house change in the Punjab Assembly.
According to sources, the PPP leader will meet Hamza — who was released last month after spending 10 months in jail in relation to a money laundering probe — to discuss former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s bid for the post of Senate chairperson and the possibility for an in-house change in Punjab.
PML-N sources said Bilawal will meet Hamza at his Model Town residence in Lahore after which the two will hold a joint press conference together. This is the first time the two leaders are meeting ever since Hamza’s release from jail.
The two are expected to discuss other political developments and matters during the meeting.
Hamza had been released from jail last month following the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) decision to grant him bail in the money laundering investigation against the PML-N leader.
A two-member bench of the LHC comprising Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar and Justice Asjad Javed Ghural had heard the bail plea of Hamza in the money laundering case.
The bench had ordered the release of the PML-N leader from the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore.
After hearing the arguments of both parties, the court had granted bail to Hamza and ordered him to submit two surety bonds of Rs10 million each.
On June 11, 2019, NAB had arrested Hamza after the LHC rejected his interim bail in the Ramzan Sugar Mills and money laundering cases.
