DNA

ISLAMABAD – The second session of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Denmark was held virtually today. Pakistan side was led by Special Secretary (Europe), Dr.Aman Rashid,while Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Ms. Christina Markus Lassen led the Danish side. The two sides took stock of the whole range of bilateral relations, including political economic, trade, investment, renewable energy, green technology and education.

The Special Secretary briefed the Danish side on the measures being taken by the government of Pakistan to contain the second wave of Covid-19 while safeguarding lives and livelihoods and commended Denmark’s effective handling of the pandemic. The two sides exchanged views on the socio-economic implications of the pandemic.The Special Secretary thanked the Danish side for support to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” for developing countries.

The two sides discussed bilateral trade and investment relations and agreed to explore new avenues of cooperation in green technologies by establishing‘Green Partnership’. In the context of EU, Pakistan side thanked Denmark for its support in securing renewal of GSP Plus status for Pakistan with the European Union.

Pakistan side shared deep concern over continuing inhuman military siege in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK); intensification of military crackdown and extra-judicial killings by Indian occupation forces and India’s illegal actions to alter the demographic structure of IIOJK by introducing new domicile law, in clear violation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and international law, including the 4^th Geneva Convention.

The two sides also discussed the situation in Afghanistan in the context of recent developments. The Special Secretary briefed the Danish side on the visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to Kabul. He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to support Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process as part of a shared responsibility for durable peace and security in Afghanistan. The Danish side commended Pakistan’s constructive role in the Afghan peace process.

The Special Secretary also shared concerns regarding the rise of Islamophobia and emphasized that the right to freedom of expression should be exercised with responsibility and should not be used for political gains by denigrating religion or religious figures which hurt the sentiments of other communities.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the level of cooperation at the international fora, including the UN, and agreed to continue supporting each other.

The two countries agreed to remain engaged on all matters of mutual interest. The next session of bilateral consultations would be held on mutually agreed dates.

DNA

ISLAMABAD – Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh addressed “Annual Microfinance Conference (AMC)” as a guest of honor, held in Islamabad today.

While speaking on the occasion, Adviser Finance outlined National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) which aims at achieving inclusive economic growth through promotion of small and medium enterprises, easy and affordable access to finance for farmers, facilitation in low-cost housing finance and provision of Shariah compliant banking solutions.

Adviser Finance highlighted the proactive measures taken by the Government to lessen the adverse economic impact of COVID-19 including loans deferred for one year and Rozgar Scheme (payroll Protection). Over 03 million borrowers benefitted with approx. Rs.140 bn loans rescheduled or deferred during the current crisis. The Rozgar Scheme has proved to be highly effective in improving liquidity position and saving millions of jobs, he added.

Due to prudent and timely policies of the Government, Adviser Finance highlighted that economic revival is taking place as Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) registered 4.8% growth, cement sector 20% growth with 100% capacity utilization and significant increase in sale of cars, motorbikes and tractors during July to October 2020. Moody’s upgraded Pakistan’s economic outlook to ‘stable’ in August 2020. Pakistan is heading in the right direction, he concluded.

ISLAMABAD, NOV 25 (DNA) –President Dr Arif Alvi has underscored the need for digitalization of Parliament to ensure efficient secretariat and Committee management as well as decision making.

He said that it was essential to incorporate Information Technology (IT) into both Houses of Parliament that would enhance its efficiency and would help establish effective monitoring and control system over legislative business.

He stated this while chairing a meeting on President’s Initiative for Cyber-Efficient Parliament, at Parliament House Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by Chairman Senate, Senator Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, Speaker National Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaisar, Minister for IT and Telecommunication (IT&T), Syed Amin-ul-Haq, Secretary IT&T, Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, Secretary Senate, Syed Pervez Abbas, Secretary National Assembly, Tahir Hussain and Executive Director, National Information Technology Board (NITB), Mr. Shabahat Ali Shah.

The President was briefed about the initiatives taken by the relevant organizations for automation of Parliament. He asked the concerned stakeholders to take steps for digitalization of Parliament by June 2021. = DNA

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QUETTA, NOV 25 (DNA) – Amid rising cases of Covid-19 in Quetta as part of the second wave of the pandemic, the city administration announced on Wednesday that shopping malls and markets will shut at 8pm.

According to a notification put out by the deputy commissioner, wedding halls will close at 11pm while parks at 6pm. Businesses found operating past the fixed timings will be dealt with strictly.

The decision to reduce business hours to curb the spread of the virus was taken during a meeting presided over by Quetta’s commissioner.

Balochistan recorded 45 new infections and one death by COVID-19 in last 24 hours. “Five more cases reported in provincial educational institutions in last 24 hours,” Media Coordinator of Corona Cell in the province, Dr Waseem Baig said in a statement.

Corona infections count in academic institutions has soared to 981, the spokesperson stated. Total death count stands at 164 as one more patient succumbed to the complications by the novel coronavirus disease in province.

The number of total cases of COVID-19 in Balochistan has reached to 16,891 according to the statement. The tally of recovered patients in the province has enhanced to 16,093, the spokesperson stated. = DNA

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 25 (DNA) – Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser while chairing the 5th meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Corona virus Disease has said that the present situation of COVID-19 was alarming and warrant strict adherence to the health advisories and SoPs.

He called upon political leadership, intelligentsia, opinion makers and health experts to build a national narrative to make aware people of the disastrous effects of COVID-19. The meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Corona virus Disease was held in the Parliament House, this afternoon.

Noting the absence of the Members of the opposition with deep concern, the Speaker said that considering the present state of corona pandemic, the opposition irrespective of the political differences, should have attended the meeting to give their valuable input. He anticipated that better sense would prevail and the opposition would attend the subsequent meetings of the Parliamentary Committee.

He said that the objection raised by certain quarters about the constitution of the Committee were irrelevant since it was valid constituted in exercise of powers vested in him under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. He further informed that before issuance of formal notification of the same, all the parliamentary parties in the Senate and the National Assembly were duly consulted.

The Speaker said that he and his family had undergone the disease, thus knew its devastating effects.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Services and Regulation Dr. Faisal Sultan apprised the Committee about the comparison of the figures related to COVID-19 with previous and latest position.

He said that the situation was alarming and the disease would cast devastating effects if SoPs and decisions of the NCOC were not implemented in letter and spirit. Apprising about the COVID-19 testing and available health facilities, he said that government had enhanced its testing capacity besides making all resources available to provide facilities in hospitals for COVID-19 patients. He appreciated the decision of the NCOC for imposing restrictions on the large gathering, public congregations and educational activities which were major contributor in spread of disease.

The Members of the Parliamentary Committee had the consensus that all the political leadership ought to give a unified message to the public to adopt precautions in order to curtail the spread of the corona virus disease. They suggested for implementation of decision of the NCOC, later ratified by the Hon. Islamabad High Court through administrative measures to stop large gatherings. They regretted that Opposition should have attended the instant meeting since issue of immense national importance was under consideration.

They unanimously appreciated the convening of the Committee which was constituted under the rules and Constitution and held its 4th meeting attended by all i.e. Treasury and the Opposition without raising any objection about its constitution and also made recommendations on COVID-19 which are being implemented.

The Members also suggested for making arrangements for online classes through PTV and PBC for students to carry on their studies from home.

While discussing the issue of summoning of the National Assembly, the Committee unanimously recommended that the opposition may be consulted for convening the session of the Assembly for abiding by the previous decision made with their consensus to hold session of the Assembly with minimum quorum to be worked out by the Treasury and the Opposition.

The Committee also paid its tributes to the Doctors, Paramedics and all those involved in proving healthcare facilities to the COVID-19 patients. The Committee also appreciated the performance of NCOC for monitoring the prevalence of the disease and its spread.=DNA

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