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FPCCI office bearers meet Chinese ambassador

ISLAMABAD, JAN 27 (DNA) – A Delegation of FPCCI Office Bearers lead by Mr.Qurban Ali, Head FPCCI Capital Office Islamabad met with Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong.

Qurban Ali discussed important points and the various problems facing on (Pak China border) by business community of Pakistan, where as Chinese Ambassador also showed his country’s interest, and hope to develop both country’s businessmen close to each other mutual understanding on the platform of business.

They also discussed CPEC, its economic zones development, and bilateral trade issues as well. And agreed to solve the problem in near future. FPCCI delegation also highlights the problems faced by business community on the border of Sust. H.E. Nong Rong Ambassador of China gave satisfactory response in the matter.

The delegation of FPCCI Office Bearers was included, Mirza Abdul Rehman Coordinator FPCCI Capital Office Islamabad, immediate past vice president FPCCI & Founder President Nagar CCI Muhammad Ali Quaid, Mehboob Rabani President Hunza CCI, and Mr. Mushtaq Hussain  former President Gilgit CCI.

ISLAMABAD, JAN 27: Qurban Ali, Head FPCCI Capital Office Islamabad and Mirza Abdul Rehman Coordinator FPCCI Capital Office presenting a souvenir to Chinese Ambassador, Nong Rong.=DNA PHOTO

Mr Qurban Ali presents cultural Gown of Gilgit Baltistan to Chinese ambassador. Both sides focused to resolve issues between two countries on trade matters, such as to control transport expense on Pak China border, behavioral matters with Pakistani community & business men on China Check post, to keep Khunjerab Post open all the year and to finish weekly leave to improve border trade was also discussed in the meeting.

Haji Qurban Ali said that CPEC & Economic Zones are a marvelous gift to Pakistan and it’s Business Community from our long lasting friend China, and this initiative of China help Pakistan to bring foreign investment in the region. Visa Issues faced in Covid situation by major businessmen and both sides businessmen were also discussed and both agreed to resolve the matter soon.

The issue of unloading containers at Khunjerab post and again loading the same to send till Sust custom port creates major transportation problems between China and Pakistan Border and their business community were also discussed in the meeting.

Haji Qurban Ali advised to send supply direct via containers to Sust Dry Port instead of having ware house in Khunjerab, and Pakistani authorities (while following SOPs ) of Covid have to do progressive effort in this regard.

H.E. Nonog Rong Ambassador of China promise to visit FPCCI Capital office soon to have meeting with Pakistan side large delegation to listen there problems and also hope  that our meeting in FPCCI will help to resolve bilateral trade issues of business community of both Pakistan and China.

Haji Qurban Ali and the ambassador of China agreed on the agenda that FPCCI platform will be used in near future to help in bring investment in CPEC from all over the world, and to resolve problems of business community of both the countries. And this will help in bringing both sides business community near for mutual trade benefits, soon as well.=DNA

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Condolence Reference held in the memory of Journalist Adeel Sarwar

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 27: Though death is an absolute reality, but role of Adeel Sarwar, a seasoned journalist will always be remembered not only in the horizon of journalism and among journalists but in other walks of life. His life revolved around the affection and affiliation with Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and His Ahlul Bayt (as). Along with his personal and professional commitments, Mr. Sarwar has always been found practicing his religious beliefs and was a bridge in between various sects for interfaith harmony.  He will be remembered among journalists, politicians, religious personnel and social fraternity.

This was stated by speakers in a condolence reference, held in memoir of Mr. Sarwar sudden demise. The reference was arranged in Rawalpindi Press Club by National Press Club Islamabad.

Mr. Nasir Zaidi, Secretary, Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, Mr. Shakeel Anjum, President National Press Club, Mr. Anwar Raza, Secretary, National Press Club, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Narcotics, Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, Mr. Sardar Naseem, Ex- Mayor Rawalpindi, Allama Syed Qamar Haider Zaidi and Mr. Bu Ali Mehdi, from Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e Fiqh-e-Jafferia, Dr. Jamal Nasir, Chairman Green Task Force, Mr. Nadeem Sheikh, Vice president FPCCI, Mr. Raza Ahmad Shah, Representative of Jamat-e-Islami, Mr. Arif Abbasi and Mr. Sajid Qureshi, Representatives of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf,  Allama Syed Izhar Hussain Bukhari, Representative of Jamiat Ullema Islam, Mr. Shahid Ghafoor Paracha, president Anjuman Tajiran Rawalpindi, Mr. Farooq Faisal Khan and Mr. Shakeel Qarar, Ex- Presidents, National Press Club, Ms. Shakeel Jaleel, Joint Secretary, National Press Club, Mr. Ghulam Ali, Awami Tehreek Representative, Ms. Samina Shoaib, Representative of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Women Wing, Sajjada Nasheen, Syed Aitbar Bukhari, Shah Chan Chiragh, Miss Sumera Gull, Representative of Pakistan Peoples Party, senior journalists Aziz Alvi, Shoaib Bhutta, Iqbal Malik, Syed Gulzar Saqi, Mudassir Naqvi, Mr. Shafqat Turabi, Sheikh Hameed, Mansoor Satti, Sajid Sheikh and Khurram Latif along with other political, social and religious personalities addressed the gathering while Dr. Tanveer Alvi, Uncle of Mr. Sarwar, Mr. Abdul Rauf and Mr. Asad Zaman Cousin of Mr Sarwar specially joined the session.

The speakers maintained that Mr. Sarwar was a very dynamic, well-mannered, intelligent and empathetic person who was devoted to worldly affairs as well as to the affection of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and Ahlul Bayt (as). He always keeps an eye on local, regional and international politics and he will always be remembered of his services for community. Mukhtar Organization presented a memorial shield in the honor of Mr. Sarwar to his uncle.

Mr. Ali Furqan, a Voice of America Journalist read a special essay in the memory of Mr. Sarwar who was a childhood friend. Mr. Ali, in his essay informed the participants about early days of Mr. Sarwar and his professional abilities. Pir of Mohra Sharif, Mujtaba Farooq Gull offered the dua at the conclusion of the reference. Afterwards, prayers for forgiveness of Mr. Sarwar and his father were offered. Mr. Sarwar on October 17, 2020 was badly injured in a traffic accident on Mandra-Chakwal road while traveling to his hometown along with his family. Due to the fatal accident, his father died on the spot while Mr. Sarwar remained on death bed for over 3 months and passed away on January 21, 2021.

Efforts being made to expand PRCS outreach: Abrar ul Haq

ISLAMABAD, JAN 27 (DNA) – Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Chairman Abrar ul Haq has said that efforts are being made to expand outreach of the organization in order to utilize its full potential for service to the humanity.

In a statement, the chairman said the PRCS plans to extensively work in the core areas of health services, disaster risk reduction, migration and social services during the next five years under the newly developed five-year strategic plan.

He said reforms are being introduced in the organization to plug any existing loopholes and improve its performance and service delivery. He said under the new strategic plan, talks are underway with many local and international organizations to find new avenues of cooperation.

Abrar ul Haq reiterated his resolve to transform the PRCS into a role model of quick humanitarian assistance. “We have already introduced a number of positive changes. Where there was room for improvement, we brought in innovation.

We created new departments, which were not existent, for functions which were indispensable,” he said. “It is because of my extensive charity work experience and humanitarian services that Prime Minister Imran Khan has entrusted me with the huge responsibility of transforming this premier organization,” he said, adding that all the initiatives taken by him are in the best interest of the organization.

“Our performance during the challenging times of Covid-19 pandemic has been acknowledged not only nationally but also at the global level,” he added.

Abrar ul Haq said special focus is being laid on transformation of the organization in order to bring transparency, especially in human resource, logistics, inventory, finance, transport and procurement departments.

He lamented that some elements are busy in campaigning against the organization for their personal interests. He said he has introduced the policy of zero tolerance towards any type of corruption and malpractices within the organization. “I am here to completely reform the organization … any NRO to anyone involved in wrongdoings is just out of question,” he resolved.=DNA

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PNC: What Israel is doing in Jerusalem are crimes need int’l accountability

ISLAMABAD, JAN 27 (DNA) – The crimes of the Israeli occupation authorities in occupied Jerusalem and its sanctuaries and national, historical and archaeological symbols require international accountability and punishment for violating international resolutions related to occupied Jerusalem, including what was decided by UNESCO, PNC said.

In a statement issued today, PNC added, that the occupation authorities’ insistence on preventing all renovation works in the holy Mosque, Al-Aqsa, disrupting the entry of required materials necessary for maintenance, and the previous measurements of spaces and buildings inside the holy Mosque, Al-Aqsa, continuing restrictions on the employees of the Islamic Endowments Department in the Mosque The summons and arrests of the guards come in line with completing the implementation of Jerusalem Judaization project and its Islamic and Christian holy sites, and tightening the occupation security and political control over it.

PNC statement explained that these violations come as an extension of Israeli Judaization project under the name of “East Jerusalem City Center Plan” to distort the heart of the historic city of Jerusalem with its neighborhoods, markets, and streets, and change its Arab, Islamic and Christian character, including the Islamic cemeteries in it, which was affected by the occupation tools of aggression and sabotage and violating its sanctity.

The Israeli occupation’s persistence in obliterating the landmarks of the city of Jerusalem, as is happening now with the Palace of the Mufti: Hajj Amin Al-Husseini, in Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem, and the plans to convert it into a Jewish synagogue, and plundering its history, national symbolism and historical value, is a flagrant violation of the Hague Convention and the Geneva Conventions, PNC continued, “UNESCO” organization decisions rejected the claim of Israeli sovereignty over the city of Jerusalem as an occupied Palestinian city.

The statement pointed out that the control of the Palace of the Mufti by force ten years ago, and the demolition of the Shepherd Hotel and the establishment of a settlement on the neighboring land, aims at isolating the north of the Holy City from its Palestinian surroundings by a settlement girdle.

PNC appealed to the free Arab and Islamic nations, their governments, parliaments and institutions, to assume their responsibilities by implementing the political, financial and media decisions to save the city of Jerusalem and its Christian and Islamic sanctities, especially the Holy Mosque, before it is too late, and not to leave it alone confronting the Israeli tools of oppression and Judaization, and to thwart its desperate Israeli attempts to impose its sovereignty over the city of Jerusalem.

History and generations to come will never have mercy on anyone who is negligent or excessive in the blessed Arabic and Islamic Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first of the two Giblas and the third to the two Holy Mosques, and the Ascent of our honorable Messenger to heaven.=DNA

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“The United Arab Emirates’ Startling Success Against Covid-19 Pandemic: An Overview”

By: Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad

Introduction:

Ever since the world is struck by the dangerously contagious COVID-19 pandemic, the governments and decision-makers across the stateswere tested like never before. The states that were unpreparedagainst this novel coronavirus had to face severe repercussionsand had to pay a hefty price for their negligence. While those governments which were aware of the repercussions of the serious challenge, left no stones unturned to eradicate it under their pragmatic approach and firm measures. In this context, the prudent and triumphantstrategies of the leadership of United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a glaring manifestation of the later approach as mentioned above.

The UAE is the tribal federation of seven emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ra’s al-Khaimah), acquiring a sizeable portion of the Southeastern Arabian Peninsula.This part of the Arabian Peninsula which consists of one of the most viable states of the world, the UAE, withimmense potential is known for its thriving economy and vibrant metropolis has boosted exceptionally during the course of past decades. It haswitnessed a profound transformation from an impoverished region of small desert principalities, to a modern state with rapid advancement. The federation here hasexpedited infrastructure upgradation, generated numerous job opportunities and hasprovidedwide-ranging benefitsbyinvolving mega private sectors as well.  The country’s relevant trade zones and conducive investment policies have attracted foreign traders, thereby, increasing the lucrative amount of profit for the development of the region. The open economy with a high per capita income and a sizable annual trade surplus has offered a plethora of opportunities to the world to cooperate and invest in multiple dimensions withtheGulf States. The successful efforts by the government in diversifying the economic patterns, have reduced the portion of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP)up to 30% from the oil and gas sector.

The world has become a global village. The countries are more inclined towards cooperation.In this regard, the UAE is further positioning to better take the advantage of globalization. The inclusivetransformative measures taken by the government are credible to highlight. The sustainable development and economic prosperity in various sectors haveresulted as a boon for the UAE and other partner states as well. The drastic measures are being placed in various domains, including the increasingglobalized capital, economy,labor, medical, and technology.Furthermore, in recent times, UAE has effectively tackled the fierce impacts emanated from the Covid-19 crisis and also assisted worldwide countries in combating the pandemic.

The UAE’s Initiatives to Curtail Adverse Impacts of Covid-19:

The novelvirus has impacted everyone globally in an unexpected and unprecedented manner.It has killed and infected millions of people. The virus has impactedthe vulnerable segments of societiesacross the globe.

In the wake of COVID-19, the dynamic leadership of the UAE has demonstrated high levels of commitment and power in curbing the spread of the pandemic both locally and globally and has effectively relied on its efficient bureaucracy and stable governance systems. Presently, the grand vaccination program to protect people from the virus has started globally. The substantial initiativestaken by the UAE federation to terminate and eradicate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, are coordinated through its National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), in close partnership with a wide range of federal and local government institutions, which includes the United Nations System, and other regional and international partners. These efforts are multi-sectoral in nature, including efforts to boost capacities of the health sector in the UAE and abroad, enact a range of policy measures to provide liquidity and economic incentives for the private sector, and other measures intended to reduce the hardships felt by individuals as a result of the pandemic across all the seven states within UAE.

To combat the virus, the successful process of vaccination has also been initiated in the UAE. The Gulf Stateshave approved the American Pfizer-BioNTech, RussianSputnikV, and Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccines for mass use. It has also provided over 1,277 metric tons of aid to 107 countries, supporting more than 1.2 million medical professionals in the process.Right from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities have enacted several measures to limit the spread of the virus. Since the global vaccination process has started, UAE is witnessing a great deal of success in recovering from the adverse impacts of this contagious virus.  In 2020, the authorities started to gradually reopen the shopping centers and other businesses and subject to appropriate social distancing requirements. Moreover, they have also began facilitating the repatriation of foreign workmen who were eager to return to their native countries. Several airlines have resumed a limited number of regular passenger flights and the authorities have also resumed issuing visas to foreign visitors and international tourists. Consequently, the government has also gradually reopened some cultural landmarks to visitors. Issuance of employment visas for vital government and semi-government sectors, as well as entry permits for domestic workers, have also been the top priority of the UAE government.

Furthermore, Abu Dhabi authorities have announced that they will resume all touristic, cultural, economic and entertainment activities in quick span of time.As per an analysis, approximately, 8 percent of the UAE’s population has been vaccinated.  It is expected that in coming two months, half of the population will be vaccinated.In this regard, it is expected that Dubai and the UAE are likely to be the “biggest beneficiary” due to easy access to vaccines. Moreover, the Dubai Expo’s rescheduled opening in October 2021 has also bright prospects of further strengthening and improving tourism this year as the Covid-19 immunization program moves forward.

Perhaps nothing can describe the UAE government’s inspiring efforts like His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He explained the federation’s collective efforts as:

“During this crisis, the UAE has shown to the world that it is a single cohesive team, one family moving in unison to overcome the exceptional circumstances thatwe are currently facing. We are truly blessed to live on this safe land and we thank God for this spirit of solidarity and this sturdy and collaborative nation.”

Therefore, it is no surprise that UAE is looking set for a V-shaped economic recovery in 2021under the auspices of its successful management of to combat the pandemic, alongside the rapid development of vaccines as mentioned above. Similarly, and The World Bank (WB) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have also projected a positive course for the bloomingeconomy of the UAE, following with rapid growth and substantial measures in developing the vaccine andthe subsequent swift implementation programs. According to an anticipation of the IMF, the UAE economy is has grown 1.3% in 2021, while the World Bank has predicted 1% GDP hike in this year.This highlights a great turn for UAE’s rise in economy and future trajectory.

Vision 2021 of the UAE:

The UAE’s government has taken well structure policy ramifications to revamp the economy from the devastating impacts of the virus. Moreover, the government has introduced grand vision 2021 for inclusive economic development and security. This includes major six sectors:

  1. Advanced healthcare system.
  2. World-class education system.
  3. Sustainable framework for environment and upgraded infrastructure.
  4. Cohesive society and preserved identity.
  5. Public friendly strategies andfair judiciary.
  6. Competitive and inclusive economy.

For paving the way for smooth execution of these initiatives and prospects in real, the present UAE government has successfully neutralized the COVID-19 pandemic’s venomous effects and has made sure there are no roadblocks in the way of their ambitious socio-economic goals.

Conclusion:                                                         

In the wake of the vicious blows from the rampant and ever-spreading coronavirus pandemic, the current dynamic leadership of the United Arab Emirates has set an excellent precedent for combating this contagious virus, which will serve as an enlightening model for other countries that desire to cruise towards an era of economic prosperity and well-being which is free of COVID-19. For this, it is imperative that all countries closely examine the successful fight against the pandemic from the shores of the UAE.

ICCI shows concerns over attachment of bank accounts by FBR

ISLAMABAD, JAN 27 (DNA) – Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the business community was feeling very perturbed over the attachment of bank accounts of taxpayers by the tax department as it was shattering their confidence and called upon the FBR to refrain from this practice as it would discourage new investment and force the businessmen to consider moving their businesses to other safe destinations.

He said it seemed that the bank accounts of taxpayers were attached to meet the unrealistic and unachievable revenue targets set by the government, but this approach would bring harmful consequences for the economy as it would discourage people to keep their cash in bank accounts.

He expressed these views during a meeting with a group of businessmen. Fatma Azim Senior Vice President, Abdul Rehman Khan Vice President ICCI, Mian Akram Farid Chairman Founder Group, Tariq Sadiq, Sanaullah Khan, Naeem Siddiqui, Khalid Chaudhry and others were present in the meeting.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan appealed to the Prime Minister Imran Khan, Finance Minister Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Chairman FBR Javed Ghani to take serious notice of such actions by the FBR and issue directions to tax officers to stop attaching the bank accounts of taxpayers in order to save them from harassment and further troubles.

Mian Akram Farid, Chairman Founder Group said that during the Covid-19 situation, the business community extended all possible cooperation to the government despite the fact that many businesses were facing the danger of closure.

He said in these tough times, the business community did not lay off any worker and thus supported many families from facing acute financial problems. He said that instead of providing any tax relief to the businessmen, the FBR was creating a lot of problems for the taxpayers and thus was causing embarrassment for the government as well.

He said that under these circumstances it has become difficult to do business in Pakistan and urged that FBR should shun the practice of attachment of bank accounts of taxpayers to save them from more difficulties.

ICCI Tax Committee Convener Naeem Siddiqui and Chairman Flour Mills Association Sheikh Tariq Sadiq said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued orders to stop creating problems for the taxpayers, but it seemed that the tax department was totally ignoring them.

They said that attaching bank accounts of taxpayers and withdrawing cash from their accounts during the appeal stage was totally unjustified and would tarnish the reputation of the government as well. They called upon the FBR to change its current approach and make tax recovery by taking taxpayers fully into confidence that would yield more positive results for the economy.=DNA

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Gas crisis blocking new investments: Mian Zahid

DNA

KARACHI – Chairman of National Business Group of FPCCI, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Wednesday said the gas crisis is not only hitting economy and employment but it has also blocked new investments.

Industrialist community is protesting all over the country which will also discourage foreign investors, he said.

Mian Zahid Hussian said that CNG sector is paying the highest tariff for gas and paying highest taxes but it is facing the ire of authorities while the influential sectors getting subsidised gas are being promoted which is astonishing.

Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that the environmentally friendly sector of CNG is being targeted since 2012 and now the number of CNG stations in Punjab has dropped from 2800 to almost one thousand wasting investments worth billions.

This sector is consuming only four percent of the gas but it is always first to get closure notice in case of scarcity as some officials have close ties with influential oil mafia who are hell-bent on destroying this sector.

The government provided relief to influential industrial sectors following pandemic but this sector was ignored as it is being operated by middle-class investors, he observed.

The tax structure for this sector is modified in routine adding to the problems of investors, he said, adding that this sector should be allowed to operate for a few hours so that machinery remain operable and jobs remain intact which will provide some relief to masses and revenue to the government.

The business leader noted that closure of CNG outlets has left thousands unemployed while it is adding to urban pollution and oil import bill, therefore, the decision to suspend supply of gas to this sector must be reconsidered.

Japan renews commitment to support polio eradication efforts in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, JAN 27 (DNA) – Government of Japan provided US$ 4.57 million grant to procure essential oral polio vaccine as part of its continued support to Pakistan for polio eradication.

This latest grant will be utilized for the procurement of 23.66 million doses of vaccines. It will allow the programme to reach under five years old children living in the districts with persistent polio virus transmission. Districts across the country during vaccination drives planned in 2021.

The notes of the grant were signed and exchanged between the Government of Japan and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and between Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and UNICEF.

“Polio eradication is the top-most priority of the Government. We are resolutely committed to eradicating polio even in difficult times of COVID-19 pandemic. The Government of Pakistan is grateful to the people and the Government of Japan for their timely and generous support for helping us reach every child with essential polio vaccine. I am confident that we will together reach the milestone of polio-free Pakistan and world,” said Dr. Faisal Sultan, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination.

H.E. MATSUDA Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan paid tribute to all the frontline polio workers engaged in vaccination amid the prevailing risk of COVID-19. He added, “Japan remains committed to assisting the people of Pakistan together with UNICEF in their goal of eradicating polio.”

DNA 27-4

“We highly appreciate the brave and tireless efforts of the Government of Pakistan despite COVID-19 pandemic. With this Grant Aid, JICA will assist the vaccine procurement for children living in high-risk areas through UNICEF. The road towards polio eradication might be rough and steep. However, we will fight together for the earliest realization of polio-free Pakistan.” said Mr. Shigeki Furuta, JICA Chief Representative.

“Last year, from March to July, over 39 million children missed out on vaccination due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This increased the immunity gap, reversing previous gains made towards eradication. Despite the setback due to the COVID pandemic, the country has continued its efforts to make Pakistan Polio free,” said Aida Girma, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, highlighting the unwavering support of the Government of Pakistan.

“The continuous support from the Government of Japan will help the country to get vaccines to the areas where they are needed most, and help Pakistan rebuild children’s immunity to get back on track to making Pakistan Polio free,” she added.

Pakistan is currently facing a challenging situation in polio eradication with the upsurge of number of polio cases. A total of 84 (19 January 2021) polio cases have been reported including 26 from Balochistan, 22 each from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, and 14 from Punjab. The Polio programme suspended vaccination activities from March to mid-July 2020 due to COVID-19, but services resumed after mid-July to get vaccines to children countrywide.

The Government of Japan has been supporting the Polio Eradication programme in Pakistan since 1996. Over these years, the grant and loan contribution from the Government of Japan has amounted to more than US$ 226.37 million dollars to support programme in Pakistan through UNICEF.=DNA

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Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, CGSS met with Ambassador of Belarus to Pakistan

Islamabad, 27thJanuary 2021 :  A meeting was held between Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad and His Excellency Andrei Metelitsa, Ambassador of Belarus to Pakistan at the Embassy of Belarus, Islamabad.

Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram welcomed the newly appointed Ambassador to Pakistan and hoped that the mutual cooperation between the two friendly nations will be further cemented.

During the meeting, it was decided that both the parties collaborate in the fields of mutual interestparticularly academia, research and analysis.

His Excellency Andrei Metelitsa praised the efforts of CGSS in initiating and promoting bilateral relations between Belarus and Pakistan.

It was agreed that CGSS will actively engage in activities with different institutions in Belarus to further enhance the mutual ties.

Govt committed to rendering all educational institutions in Punjab drug-free: Basharat

Islamabad : Punjab Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Muhammad Basharat Raja has said that Pakistan government is committed to rendering all educational institutions in the province drug-free.

Responding to an adjournment motion by the MPA Khadija Umer during the Punjab Assembly session in Lahore, he said 174 cases have been registered against drug dealers outside educational institutions.

The Law Minister said hundreds of cases had been registered for its prevention as well as effective actions were also being taken against the perpetrators involved in the business of sheesha secretly.

The House adopted a resolution tabled by PML-Q lawmaker Khadeeja Umer on disinformation regarding the Caliphs of Islam (Khulfa-e-Raashdeen) on the search engine Wikipedia.

Later, adjourned the session for Friday at 9am.

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