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Russia adds 25,018 COVID-19 cases

MOSCOW, July 18 :Russia registered 25,018 new coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours as the Delta variant continues to spread, taking the nationwide tally to 5,958,133, the official monitoring and response center said Sunday.

 The center reported 764 coronavirus-related fatalities in the past day, raising the national death toll to 148,419, while the number of recoveries grew by 18,886 to 5,341,231.

 Moscow, Russia’s worst-hit region, added 4,357 new cases, taking the city’s total to 1,463,135.

 More than 159 million COVID-19 tests have been conducted across the country.

WARM SEND OFF TO KYRGYZ ENVOY

ISLAMABAD, JUL 18 /DNA/ – To bid farewell to the ambassador of Kyrgyzstan, Erik Beishembiev, a warm farewell reception was hosted by Zahid Latif Khan, CEO ISE REIT and former president of RCCI at a local hotel in Islamabad.

Ambassador of Turkmenistan and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ata Atadjan Movlamov, Romanian ambassador,  Nicola Goia, ambassador of Turkey in Pakistan Ihsan Mustafa Yurdakul, Palestine ambassador Ahmad Jawad Rabaei, ambassador of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Kistafin, Ibrahim Almadani of Jordan, among others, representatives from chamber of commerce and a large number of dignitaries, and Business men attended the farewell reception.

In his welcome remarks, Zahid Latif Khan said that Central Asia has enormous potential for boosting bilateral trade and cooperation. Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Kyrgyzstan.

Largely agrarian economies and given the geographical proximity between Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan, both countries can create a wide range of marketable Agri-based raw and value added products – both for trade and consumption within the two countries. Both countries should focus on establishing direct links between their private sectors to explore untapped areas of mutual cooperation, he suggested.

Kyrgyz Ambassador Erik Beishembiev said in his address that he has spent more than four years in Islamabad and that he is grateful for the hospitality and the best impression of the Pakistani people. His country greatly values relations with Pakistan that is why it seeks further diversification and strengthening of these relations, the envoy said.

He said that our region is rich in oil, gas, mineral and water resources and we also want to benefit from these resources for Pakistan and the region, so that the countries of the region benefit from each other’s resources. He said that currently 10,000 Pakistani students are studying in Kyrgyzstan.

25 % BZU students avail Ehsas Undergraduate Scholarships

MULTAN, Jul 18 :About 25 % students (morning session) of Bahuddin Zakariya University (BZU) are availing the facility of Ehsas Undergraduate Scholarships, given by the incumbent government with an objective to promote education among poor families, hailing from across south Punjab.

The majority of the beneficiaries students are females, said Director Scholarship Cell and Dean Faculty of Pharmacy

BZU Muhammad Uzair talking to APP, on Sunday.

 Ehsas Scholarship initiative is one of the best programmes which offers not only fees but also provides stipends to the poor students.          As many as 470 students (morning session) are availing the facility, said Dr Uzair. Out of whom, 272 scholarships were given to female students. He said that Ehsas Undergraduate Scholarship programme very much important especially for females students.

 He stated that the incumbent government was paying focus on promotion of education among female students. Educated females

can play a vital role in the progress and prosperity of the country. Similarly, the educated mothers will also help nurture society in an amicable way, he added.

 About the criteria to apply for scholarships, Director Scholarships Cell observed that deserving students could apply online soon after their admission. The scholarships are being given under an open merit scheme. The families having income less than Rs 35,000 or

kids of the government employees working in grade IV are eligible to apply. The beneficiary students will get amounts through

Bank Account. Director Uzair remarked that Ehsas Undergraduate Scholarships programme was very much transparent.

The student will not pay visits to offices for availing the facility, he added.

 Dr Uzair stated that students would obtain Ehsas Scholarships for consecutive four years, till the completion of the degree.

To a query, Director Scholarships maintained that students of sub-campuses of BZU were also eligible for Ehsas Scholarships.

 Last year, BZU obtained Rs 100 million in terms of fees, said Dr Uzair. Similarly, students got Rs 70 million as stipends to

meet their daily requirements. He recalled that 1732 students of the varsity had obtained scholarships during last year.

Actor Nayla Jaffri passes away in Karachi

Actor Nayla Jaffri, one of PTV’s golden era actors, passed away on Saturday after a battle with ovarian cancer.

She was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and had been fighting it ever since.

Her death was announced by her friend Furqan Siddiqui on Twitter.

Jaffri made headlines earlier this year after she appealed to production houses to pay her royalties for her shows as she was struggling to fund her chemotherapy. Her video message highlighted the difficulty she was facing affording healthcare. That video was also uploaded by Siddiqui.

The Sindh government had announced that it would bear her medical expenses after multiple celebrities raised their voices for her cause.

Jaffri had worked in numerous TV plays and stage productions, earning many a fan by virtue of her acting skills.

Some of her famous works include Aa Mujh Ko SulanaDesi Girls and Thodi Si Khushiyan.

As news of her demise spread on social media, several celebrities took to Instagram to mourn the loss.

Work begins on beautiful wooden railings to further renovate Federal Capital

ISLAMABAD: /DNA/ -On the special directions of CDA Management, various types of beautiful wooden structures have been started on major highways and intersections across the city to make Islamabad more beautiful and attractive.  Railing work has started, the installation process of which will begin as soon as possible.
On the direction of CDA Management, the M&RM Department has started the work of installation of beautiful wooden railings. It should be noted that these railings are not only used for safety along bridges and drains across Islamabad. It will be an example of friendly environment and beauty that will make the viewer’s eyes look attractive and captivating. In addition, it will also highlight Pakistani culture and civilization.
In addition, wooden railings will reflect the green effect and greenery, as well as help guide tourists.
In this regard, the CDA Administration while issuing instructions to the concerned department said that the work should be completed soon.

Afghan ambassador’s daughter manhandled in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, JUL 17 /DNA/ – As reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad, yesterday, the daughter of the Ambassador was assaulted while riding a rented vehicle.

Immediately after this disturbing incident was reported, the Islamabad Police launched a thorough investigation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant security authorities are closely in contact with the Ambassador and his family and extending full support in the matter.

While the security of the Ambassador and his family has been beefed up, law enforcement agencies are trying to trace and apprehend the culprits to be brought to justice.

It is reiterated that the safety and security of the diplomatic missions, as well as the diplomats and their families, is of utmost importance. Such incidents can and will not be tolerated.

CDA management briefed on way forward regarding flats at Lehtrar road site

ISLAMABAD, JUL 17 – /DNA/ – FWO and Director special projects briefed CDA management on progress and way forward regarding flats at Lehtrar road site.

CDA is in process of constructing multiple housing projects at Lehtrar road and now the FWO is mobilized in the area and base camp has been established. Three distinct projects are planned in the area.

More than 4000 apartments shall be constructed in total. The project is in self financed mode and part of the govt plan to serve housing  needs.

In this context nearly 2000 (two thousand) apartments are in category of NAPHDA whereas balance apartments are for public sale.

Separately 400 flats for kachi abadi shall also be constructed.

Now that engineering teams are mobilized project shall be completed in two years.

Regular troops manning crossings along Pak- Afghan Border; all illegal crossing points sealed: DG ISPR

RAWALPINDI, /DNA/ – Director General Inter Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar on Saturday said Pakistan Army’s regular troops are manning crossings along Pak-Afghan Border and all illegal crossing points have been sealed along the Border.

The ISPR DG was presenting his views during special transmission on private TV channel

Major General Babar said the recent terrorist incident has linkage with recent Afghanistan situation that highlighted desperation of terrorists.

He added that since 1 May, 2021, some 167 terrorist incidents took place whereas similarly the security force had conducted over 7,000 intelligence based operations (IBOs), cordon and search operations and area domination operations in the aftermath. 

The ISPR DG clarified that we are not guarantor to Afghanistan Peace process as Afghanistan’s own stake holders have to decide their future, adding, “Peace in Pakistan is linked with peace in Afghanistan.”

He said, “We are meticulously monitoring the regional situation and playing a sincere role in Afghan peace process. We left no stone unturned in peace talks among all stakeholders of the peace process.”

The Armed Forces Spokesperson underlined that the security forces have prepared a lot to cope with post US and allied forces withdrawal in Afghanistan. “We made all preparations and placed all security measures keeping in view the associated threats,” he added.

While elaborating the security risks, he said the security domain threat included risk of revival of sleeper cells , restoration of terrorist groups in Balochistan that can nexus with hostile agencies. “We are very clear and identified those agencies. The recent particular events also occurred due to it and indicates the risk,” he added.

When, he said Afghan peace process started and prior to that it was presumed that peace in Afghanistan would have impact on our side.

He mentioned that Pakistan had fought a long, nerve testing war against terror and achieved hard earned success. “The border fencing along Pak-Afghan Border is 90% completed and it has been expedited along Iran Border. Many forts and security posts have been constructed and proper border management mechanism has been placed,” he told. The border fencing was also beneficial for Afghanistan’s security, he added.

Commenting on the Border Security measures, he said the FC capacity has been significantly beefed up where police and levies training has been conducted under the supervision of Pakistan Army.

The ISPR DG confirmed that there has been no organized terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan after the security operations done by the Army.

He noted that the fugitive leadership of terrorist groups was based in Afghanistan which was supported by the Indian intelligence agency RAW. 

In tribal areas and Balochistan, over 7000 security operations were conducted since May 1, 2021 where 42 terrorists were killed since and also many soldiers of Pakistan Army got martyred and injured during the operations, he added.

“Pakistan Army is ready to exterminate all threats to national peace and security. We are after them aggressively and they are on the run and in such aggressive posture you bear casualties. Our officers are leading the operations from the front and we are after them and would not let them take any respite,” Major General Babar Iftikhar said.

The ISPR DG also highlighted the sacrifices made by the country in its fight against terrorism. He said over 86,000 innocent lives have been lost in the War on Terror with US$152 billion dollars economic losses. However, the security forces conducted over 1,300 security operations, cleared over 46,000 sqkm area from terrorist control and some 18,000 terrorists were killed, adding, tonnes of explosives were confiscated in various operations. “I can say with authentication that no organized terrorist infrastructure is existing in Pakistan,” he reiterated. 

During the security operations, he said the security forces alongwith kinetic measures also made efforts in lawfare domain, however, various measures have been taken and legislation carried out in the country.

“The world has acknowledged the constructive role of Pakistan in the regional peace and stability,” he added.

Operation Radd-Ul-Fasaad’s vision was that use of power was the prerogative of state and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa took the entire effort under this vision to eliminate terrorism from its roots in the country, he said.

India has huge influence in Afghanistan and they used it as the main purpose of its funding was to develop their roots in Afghanistan and destabilize Pakistan, he noted.

“We have also presented dossier in November 2020 and gave evidence of Indian terrorism and clandestine designs against Pakistan,” he said.

He further said there were training camps of RAW in Afghanistan that they used to unite all splinter anti-Pakistan groups. “India is the biggest spoiler in the region,” he said.

Intelligence agencies, he said always operate and they function in grey zones whereas Pakistan’s peace was mainly relying on peace in Afghanistan. “It will be difficult for India to operate against Pakistan in this case,” he added.

Responding to the recent statement of Afghan Vice President Amrullah Saleh who leveled allegations against Pakistan Air Force Supporting Taliban, he said, “Absolutely a false statement and I confirm that there are no such measures taken by Pakistan Air Force. The Afghan Air Force is operating on their side and no such activity done by Pakistan Air Force. I will only deny this statement.”

He mentioned that recently during clashes between Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan Taliban around 40 ANA soldiers crossed towards our side in Bajaur and we gave them a soldierly protocol with food, gifts and handed over to Afghan forces. 

To a comment on recent operation against terrorists in tribal district of Kurram, he said on 26 June some 16 labourers were working at a mobile tower site in Kurram Tribal District who have been abducted by the terrorists. On 27 June, 10 out of 16 labourers were released and unfortunately one labourer’s body was found. The security forces launched series of Intelligence Based Operations in highly inhospitable terrain under extreme weather conditions, he added.

The terrorists were continuously tracked and pursued whereas in an IBO on 13 July, 2021, three terrorists were killed and Captain Basit Ali and Sepoy Hazrat Bilal sacrificed their lives while rescuing the innocent labourers.

Despite martyrdom of two soldiers, the security forces conducted the operation and rescued the remaining five labourers, adding, “Operation is underway and we are going to eliminate them. Pakistan Army will pay every price for the peace and protection of the country.”

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MSF- A SOULAGEMENT FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE

By Khalid Bin Majeed

Service to humanity is the biggest faith that towers above all in the world, while those ministering to the suffering humanity in different parts of the world like the silent soldiers of the divine providence far away from their families and the media limelight are the salt of mother earth, who beautify this world with their trailblazing noble deeds and actions.

No matter whichever organization and country they belong to, these silent soldiers, full of human kindness spirits, could be seen helping the people — affected by wars, conflicts, disasters and epidemics –with unquestionable commitment, devotion, dedication, impartiality and neutrality.

There are ways and means to better serve the suffering humanity, which turns them into joyous and the happiest persons on the earth. To that goal, around the world, hundreds ofthousands of female and malehumanitarian workers from all ranks of the society are working to achieve exactly that.

The International Medical Humanitarian Association Médecins Sans Frontières also known as Doctors Without Borders — a worldwide movement of more than 67,000 people working in over 70 countries — is one such organizations that is providing free service to humanity in Pakistan like elsewhere in the world. Founded on 22 December 1971 its qualified health professionals, logistic and administrative staff are guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence and neutrality.

MSF enjoys the support of 6.5 million individual donors and private foundations worldwide, reaching over 90% of their funds from private sources. MSF teams all over the world conduct independent evaluations to determine medical needs of the people in affected regions before initiating any project. To respond toglobal emergency situations, MSF keeps pre-packaged kits – from surgical kits to inflatable hospitals to cholera equipment — to ensure a rapid and effective response within hours.

In Pakistan, MSF works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, providing medical assistance to the people deprived from basic healthcare. MSF is currently working in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Sindh. MSF in Balochistan treats patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis, provides mother and child healthcare services, ambulatory therapeutic feeding centre and emergency response to COVID-19 and measles.

The priority for MSF in Pakistan focuses on the continuation of the regular lifesaving activities despite enormous challenges posed by the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. In order to reduce the risk of transmission, the organization adapted its structures and patient passageways and installed screening and isolation areas in the facilities.

One of MSF programme is in Kuchlak,catering to the needs of the local and Afghan refugees. Besides running a mother and child health centre and offering outpatient treatment for women and children, the MSF programme include nutritional support for children under the age of five.

Basic emergency obstetric care is provided through the birthing unit, which is open 24-hours , while referring complicated emergency obstetric cases to Quetta. The other services provided include health education and psychosocial counselling. The Ministry of Health’s Expanded Programme of Immunization is integrated into the services being offered at the Kuchlak health centre.

In 2020, there were 21,618 outpatient consultations, 4,958 assisted births, 3,492 antenatal consultations, and 5,196 individual and group counselling sessions, while 21,563 children were vaccinated against measles and other childhood diseases.

Quetta: MSF provides medical services to patients with cutaneous leishmaniosis [a skin infection caused byphlebotominesandfly] at three treatment centres located in Kuchlak, Benazir Bhutto Hospital in old Marriabad town, and Bolan Medical Complex in Quetta city.

These clinics provide specialized diagnosis and treatment for parasitic skin infection, which is a major public health issue in some parts of the country. MSF is the biggest provider of treatment for this neglected tropical disease in Balochistan. In 2020, 4,988 patients were screened and 3,363 patients started on treatment for the infection.

In Chaman District Headquarter Hospital, MSF supports medical services for women and children, including reproductive, neonatal and paediatrics healthcare. The MSF medical staff offer free, quality medical care to local residents, Afghan refugees and patients.

Since 2007, MSF has been supporting a 24-hour delivery room including surgical management of the complicated deliveries, a pediatric inpatient ward, a newborn unit, and an emergency room for trauma cases.Malnourished children under the age of five are enrolled in a feeding programme (inpatient and ambulatory therapeutic feeding). Through health education sessions, MSF teams sensitize the community on preventing medical condition, seeking timely healthcare, especially during pregnancy.

Blood transfusions, water and sanitation for the health structures, and a basic laboratory are also part of MSF’s services in the hospital. It also supervises the women’s outpatient department, which is managed by the Department of Health staff in close collaboration with the MSF team.

As in other areas, also in Dera Murad Jamali, MSF supports the department of health through its medical activities. MSF teams support inpatient therapeutic feeding for malnourished children with complications, running a general paediatric ward, and a neonatal unit to cater for the needs of the population with limited access to basic healthcare facilities. MSF furthermore provides basic emergency obstetric care through a 24/7 birthing unit, whereas complicated emergency obstetric cases are referred to Larkana, Sindh.

In the eastern districts of Jaffarabad and Naseerabad MSF teams are supporting the nutrition programmes for children under five through mobile clinics, which help combat the increasing malnutrition rates in the region.In 2020 MSF admitted over 8,700 severely malnourished children to the therapeutic feeding programme, and gave antenatal consultations to over 9,500 patients, MSF has assisted over 2,700 births and admitted 936 neonates and children to the facility in Dera Murad Jamali.

Not all heroes wear capes, luckily there are still people who offer their capacities to something bigger than themselves. They will be there when an extreme situation arises, ensures medical assistance when adversity hits, and voluntarily face the challenges to make this world a better place to live.

We must honour the dedication of all these humanitarian workers who continue to do their jobs every day despite the many risks — in the service of our common cause to reach the most vulnerable in our society.

Death toll from Europe floods tops 150 as water recedes

The death toll from disastrous flooding in western Europe rose above 150 on Saturday as rescue workers toiled to clear up the devastation and prevent further damage.

Police said that more than 90 people are now known to have died in western Germany‘s Ahrweiler county, one of the worst-hit areas, and more casualties are feared. On Friday, authorities gave a death toll of 63 for the whole of Rhineland-Palatinate state, where Ahrweiler is located.

Another 43 people were confirmed dead in neighboring North Rhine-Westphalia state, Germany’s most populous, and 20 others were killed across the border in Belgium.

By Saturday, waters were receding across much of the affected regions, but officials feared that more bodies might be found in cars and trucks that were swept away.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier planned to travel Saturday to Erftstadt, southwest of Cologne, where a harrowing rescue effort unfolded on Friday as people were trapped when the ground gave way and their homes collapsed.

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