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Subaltern can’t speak: Govt should include transgender in BISP, Ahsas and other social safety programs

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Muhammad Arshid (P.hD Scholar)

All human are created equal and are equal in term of their basic rights including human dignity and natural rights. The human basic rights have been established through three milestones in human history. First of all it can be traced back to the Farewell Sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) on the occasion of Haj. This was a complete sermon where Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) has categorically emphasized on the equality of all human, eliminating every type of prejudice on the basis of cost, colour, and sex.

It was a complete message for rest of humanity to follow the guidelines and to keep human dignity as top most priority in every term. Secondly, almost the same rights have been established by United Nation universal declaration of human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a milestone document in history; the United Nations notes that “it sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.” It further agree that The UN General Assembly adopted the declaration on December 10, 1948. While progress has been made in upholding human rights, violations continue, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights continues to remind us that we all have human rights and we must stand up for them.

It is tto worth mention here that the same rights have been adopted in 1973 constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. As the Article no. 8 to 28 of the constitution ensure the fundamental rights without any prejudice, bias or discrimination. Despite of the commitments and establishment of human rights by above mentioned three historic documents the transgender community in Pakistan is suffering marginalization. They are reported to be sexually, mentally, psychology and physically harassed by the society. All human being in the world have equal   human rights to enjoy without any discrimination of their, caste, creed and culture.

But the transgender community enjoys the least amount of respect or rights in the world general and in Pakistan particular. Majority of the people in the country did not consider them as a part of their society, they don’t like to eat, drink and interact with them. Being marginalized and mistreated in the society they do not have their fundamental rights and do not consider equally like other citizen of Pakistan. According to the Census of 2017, Pakistan’s total population is 207.75 million and   transgender people are 10418. This constitutes just .005 per cent of the total population of the country. The actual estimates of transgender in Pakistan are more than reported  in the census .  According to the estimate of trans- welfare unions, there are more two million transgender living with their Gurus/teachers only in colonies/rented houses.

It is totally unjust to keep this community miserable despite of historic judgment passed by Honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan to ensure their fundamental rights and same has been followed by A bill passed by august parliament of Pakistan. The COVID-19 pandemic  and then governmental preventive measures of lockdown and closer of social and recreational activities throughout the country the  vulnerable groups of daily wages, Rehry Ban and especially transgender community faced considerable challenges and miseries that suffered them more than others. The pandemic issue in the country enlarged already existing stigma and discrimination towards the transgender community in the society.

During the pandemic, transgender community in Pakistan found themselves in distress and challenging situation. The social distancing protocols and preventive measures against COVID-19 affected their lives due to social inequalities in our society.  They lost employment opportunities and then consequently they were unable to afford their basic needs of life including food ,clothing, shelter and basic health facilities. Despite of all these commitments they are living a subaltern life in Pakistan where government need to consider them on priority basis and at least to include transgender in BISP, Ahsas and other social safety programs so that their survival can be ensured specially during these natural catastrophe like COVID-19.

Turkey’s Immaculate Defense

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Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan

Despite, US sanctions on its national defense industry, Turkey is indeed marching towards achieving self-reliance in military production and modernization of its armed forces. The world-fame of its armed drones & UAVs (Azerbaijan-Armenia war, Syria, Libya, Kurds), prototype testing of armed helicopter engine, electronic warfare, modern submarines and tanks all showcase its “superiority” against its regional “competitors” and “enemies” too.

Most recently, for the further strengthening of its National Defense System (NDS)Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has launched the country’s first indigenous frigate Istanbul (F-515) and pledged to take the country’s navy to a very strong position with five major projects in the coming years.

Indigenous frigate is produced as part of the MILGEM project, a National Warship Program (NWP). According to the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (January 23, 2021), it was designed & developed with national resources, and over 75 percent of its systems are of indigenous manufacture. The 113 meter-long frigate would perform Advanced Air Defense (AAd) and Surface Warfare (SWs), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASWs), and patrol activities. It is expected to be delivered to Turkey’s Naval Forces Command in 2023.

While speaking to launching ceremony for the frigate and welding ceremony of the third ship under “Pakistan MILGEM” corvette project Turkish president Erdogan showcased his country’s capabilities in diverse fields of military training, production and modernization due to which Turkey has been rated among the 10 countries that can design, build, and maintain its own warship in the world. It is indeed a great “ strategic achievement” of brotherly country Turkey which has been debarring from purchasing modern electronic warfare system, ballistic missiles and fighter jets by the USA and the EU.

It has multiplier socio-economic, geopolitical and geostrategic effects. It will definitely, further strengthen its naval defense, professional and tactical preparedness against any external aggression in the days to come. It will also protect Turkish blue economy’s commercial and business interests in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Arabian Sea in the future.  Turkish more than 87 percent trade is carried out via maritime ports and a number of transnational pipelines passing through Turkish territorial waters which will be now protected through the country’s enhanced naval capabilities.

Along with the launch of the Istanbul frigate, the ceremony also marked the groundbreaking of the third ship to be constructed for the Pakistani navy under the MILGEM project. Turkish president Erdoğan highlighted the “extraordinary” defense relations between the two countries. He termed bilateral ties as “historic” and “trustworthy” with desire to help each other in “defying” emerging geopolitical and geostrategic threats.

The Pakistan Navy inked an agreement with Turkey’s Military Factory and Shipyard Management Corporation (ASFAT) in July 2018 to acquire four MILGEM-class ships.

The MILGEM project was initiated in 2000 to locally design and build a fleet of multipurpose corvettes and frigates that will replace older ships. Turkey has built four corvettes so far in line with the program, namely the TCG Heybeliada, the TCG Büyükada, the TCG Burgazada and the TCG Kınalıada, while the fifth vessel, the first MILGEM I-class frigate of its kind, the Istanbul Frigate, was recently added to the inventory of the Turkish military with Saturday’s ceremony.

The MILGEM project was launched to build corvettes and frigates to be used for a wide range of purposes, including reconnaissance, surveillance, early warning, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air warfare, and amphibious operations.

It will put into service six of its new submarines starting in 2022 with Piri Reis. Turkey is boasting significant skills in Submarine Technology (ST). It has already started its Stealth Submarine Project (unmanned) which will be completed within next two years. President also projected significance of Turkish drones and UAVs technologies and rated it best among the first three to four countries globally in terms of the production of unmanned and armed unmanned aerial vehicles. Furthermore he highlighted that Turkey will take Gokdeniz, the naval version of Korkut low-altitude air defence system into the inventory for the first time with Istanbul frigate.

He outlined his future road map by narrating that an aircraft carrier will also be designed indigenously, following Anadolu Ship. Hopefully, it will take Turkey to the top league in the field.  In this connection, world has already acknowledged Turkey’s superiority in diverse fields of military production as seven Turkish companies, including two new entries, have made it to the list of the world’s top 100 defence firms.

The US-based publication the Defense News (2019-2020) focuses Turkish emerging strength in military production. During 2020-2021 the number of Turkish companies on the “Top 100 List” upgraded to seven from five.

Turkey had launched four frigates in recent years. Turkey made a big investment in improving its naval defences in the last decade, increasing the number of warships and military vessels and relying on homegrown technology.

In recent years, Ankara has not only increased its number of vessels and warships, protecting its coasts and sailing in international waters, but also made self-sufficiency a priority to upgrade its naval force, relying on its own native sources to decrease dependency on outside powers.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has drastically increased defence spending and has worked diligently to promote state cooperation with native defence contractors.

The Turkish Navy has had 112 military vessels until now, but Ankara plans to add a total of 24 new ships, which include four frigates, before the Republic reaches the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2023.

Turkey desires to compete with its Mediterranean neighbours on equal terms to claim its marine rights in the region by improving its naval capabilities, which are also crucial to secure the country’s vital economic interests.

The Turkish defense industry has taken a significant leap from 2002, increasing from 62 to almost 700. Due to which Turkey has become a country that develops its domestic industry but also meets the needs of its allies.

Being prominent regional expert I term the launching and inclusion of indigenous frigate Istanbul (F-515) and welding ceremony of the third ship under “Pakistan MILGEM” corvette project is a “paradigm shift” in the regional security. It will definitely, safeguard Turkey’s trade & commerce activities, oil & gas exploration and defend its coastal areas from any external aggression. It will also further strengthen Pak-Turkey military cooperation in “real sense” in the days to come.

F-9 Park Islamabad going to be mortgage to take loan

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ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 – The federal government is considering taking out a loan by mortgaging the largest F-9 park in Islamabad.In this regard, according to the agenda of the federal cabinet available with Urdu News, the issue of issuing sukuk bonds in exchange for the land of F-Nine Park will be considered. According to cabinet sources, a summary in this regard has been submitted by the Finance Ministry.

When contacted by Urdu News, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Hamza Shafqat said that he was not aware of this but even before that the prices of buildings have been fixed for issuing sukuk bonds in exchange for government buildings.

He said that the status of Sukuk bond is different from that of mortgage as it does not affect the status of the property.

Even before this, previous governments have been borrowing dollars from the international market in exchange for guaranteeing national assets, and mortgaged property becomes free when the debt is repaid.
The present government has also decided to take loans for financial difficulties and budget support.

The government of Pakistan has issued sukuk several times in exchange for motorways (M1, M2 and M3) and Jinnah International Airport. “Other government assets, including the Islamabad Expressway, Allama Iqbal International Airport and F-Nine Park, have been identified for issuing sukuk after consultation with Islamic economists.”

On the other hand, the Ministry of Finance, while explaining the news regarding the issuance of sukuk, said that sukuk is a means of obtaining loans in accordance with Shariah principles.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Sukuk is not only a means of generating resources for the government’s budget expenditure but also a means of promoting Islamic banking in the country, which is a constitutional obligation.

Turkish President launches welding of 3rd MILGEM corvette for PN

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ISTANBUL, Jan 24 (DNA): Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has underscored that the defence collaboration for the construction of warships is another milestone in Turkey-Pakistan defence ties.

He was addressing the launching the practical work on third ship to be constructed for Pakistan Navy held at Istanbul Naval Shipyard (INSY), Turkey, says a press statement issued by the Pakistan Navy Sunday.

Ambassador of Pakistan in Turkey Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi also accompanied the Turkish President at the ground-breaking of the third of the four corvettes for Pakistan Navy.

President Erdogan said Pakistan is our brotherly country with whom Turkey enjoys excellent relations. He said both Pakistan and Turkey are living in difficult geographies but both countries are facing similar challenges.

The Turkish President highlighted that Turkey would continue to support friendly and allied countries in the defence field.

While referring to his last year’s Pakistan visit, President Erdogan said the two countries signed a Strategic Economic Framework that would provide the necessary institutional framework to further enhance bilateral ties.

He underscored the defense collaboration for construction of MILGEM class warships as major milestone in Pak-Turkey defense ties.

According to statement, the MILGEM class corvettes will be state-of-the-art surface platforms equipped with modern surface, subsurface and anti-air weapons and sensors integrated through a network centric Combat Management System.

MILGEM corvettes will significantly enhance maritime defence and deterrence capabilities of Pakistan Navy. These ships will augment Pakistan Navy’s kinetic punch and will significantly contribute in maintaining peace, stability and balance of power in Indian Ocean Region.

The contract for four MILGEM class corvettes for Pakistan Navy with concurrent Transfer of Technology (ToT) was signed with ASFAT Inc, a Turkish state owned Defence contractor in 2018. The ToT entails construction of two corvettes at Istanbul Naval Shipyard while another two at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW).=DNA

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Italian envoy to provide ease of VISA to local businessmen

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 24 (DNA): Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Andreas Ferrarese on Sunday vowed to simplify the process of VISA issuance to Pakistani businessmen and traders to further promote business to business ties between Pakistan and Italy.

“Simplification of the VISA process and procedure is the top priority of the Italian embassy in Islamabad” he said during a media interview.

This would help business communities the both the countries to enhance mutual interaction for exploring new avenues of mutual businesses and investment to increase the bilateral trade between both sides, Ambassador of Italy to Pakistan Andreas Ferrarese told here at the sidelines of meeting with local business leader in Capital office of Federation Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI).

The Ambassador said that dairy and Agriculture and livestock, olive and olive products, plastics, processed food and the construction sector were the areas where Italy could extend its cooperation with Pakistan.

The senior diplomat said Italy wanted to start a new era of economic and trade cooperation with Pakistan through transfer of technology for upgradation of Pakistan’s agro and textiles industry.

He said that both of the countries were inter-reliant to each other as Pakistan has around 60 percent of young people in total of its population which need to be trained in modern skills and technology, while Italy has 35 percent of the old age population and the country is more advanced in technology and modern skills.

He was of the view that Italy can extend its cooperation to equip and train the local youth with modern skills and technology for enhance their contribution in the local economy.

Andreas Ferrarese said that “We are living the era of economic diplomacy and economic trade relations are the assurance for peace, harmony and stability between the countries.”

He said that both sides want to achieve their economic and trading integration through the cooperation and exchange of culture and art for cement bilateral relations.

The envoy said that Italian embassy in Islamabad has initiated the series of cultural and economic derives in three different cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore to provide opportunity to the cultural and business leaders for mutual interaction.

While replying to another question on cooperation in the green economy, he said that Italy is committed to extend collaboration with Pakistan to promote the green economy for sustainable development in Pakistan.

He said green economy, transfer of technology for industrial sector including textiles and agro industry; construction sector, education and health are major areas of focus to extend the bilateral cooperation.

The ambassador said that through the green economy, Italy wanted to cooperate with Pakistan for environment protection, circular economy, resource saving and management, ecosystem protection and recovery, water conservation and natural disaster prevention.

He said that in coming November,”We would initiate the upcoming derives of the green economy in Karachi , where experts , business including people from all walks of life to share their view applicable model for the green economy and its due role in the country’s economy.

The Italian envoy said the new economic mission would be deployed in Pakistan to further promote bilateral trade and economic cooperation in different potential areas.

Initially the new economic mission would be established in major cities of Pakistan including Karachi and Islamabad and later it would be expanded to other potential trade hubs to increase the economic and trade integration between Pakistan and Italy, he said.

The Ambassador said that currently Italy was providing technical assistance in Agriculture and textiles up gradation through modern machinery, value addition in agriculture, leather and marble sectors.

He said Pakistan was working to expand it to Agricultural items including dairy and livestock, olives and olive products, plastics, processed food and construction sector in Italian market. Andreas Ferrarese underlined the importance of promoting cultural connectivity to promote bilateral trade.  DNA

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Tests centres loot poor expats with both hands

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DNA

ISLAMABAD:  Pakistan Overseas Employment Promoters Association (POEPA) has made a startling revelation that the GCC-approved medical centres are involved in loot and plunder in the name of medical tests of poor overseas Pakistani workers.Addressing a press conference here on Sunday, POEPA senoir vice chairman Capt (R)Naseem Akhtar, Vice Chairman Makail Bangush and Khalid Javed said that a Gulf-cooperation council,  Approved Medical centres Association (GAMCA), is administratively managing 45 medical centres in Pakistan who are departing to Saudi Arabia.

They have made compulsory for Pakistani workers to conduct the medical test from its approved centres before going to Saudi Arabia.The POEPA representatives said that these medical centres are just a source of loot and plunder of the poor workers as their certificates are not being accepted in the Gulf countries, this certificate is only for departure .The medical centres are charging Rs 9,000 for each test, while an additional amount of Rs 2,000 is being charged separately in the name of registration; whereas other laboratories are charging half fee for these tests, they added.They further said that the Pakistani workers were not only passed through mental trauma but great financial loss due to these practices.Neither these medical centres submit the return nor pay the tax so they requested the Pakistani government to establish a Regulatory authority to check the GCC approved medical centres.

They also requested Muhammad Bin Suleman, who is the Ambassador of Pakistanis in KSA, to issue directions to the Saudi Embassy in Pakistan to manage the matters of medical test. They also requested the Prime Minister Imran Khan, who loved the expats, to take notice of the exploitation of the poor workers in the name of tests and stake urgent measures to stop the dirty practice forthwith.

They demanded that the Pakistani government in league with the Saudi government should find out some mutually agreed solution to the serious problems so as these poor workers could be protected from the loot and plunder of these mafias.The Competitive Commission of Pakistan (CCP) had also imposed hefty fine on these medical centers back in 2012 however they got stay from court. The vice Chairman also requested the government especially the CCP to start investigations of these centers as medical centers are involved in cartelization.

Morocco committed to supporting Libyan parties

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DNA

RABAT: Bouznika – Following clear instructions from His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco is committed, on a permanent basis, to accompany and support the Libyan parties to resolve the current crisis which has lasted too long, underlined, Saturday in Bouznika, the Moroccan minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad, Nasser Bourita.

Speaking to the members of the delegations of the Libyan High Council of State and House of Representatives at the end of a new round of the Libyan Dialogue, Bourita affirmed that Morocco’s commitment stems from solid, sincere and human ties binding the two peoples, as well as its deep conviction that the stability of Libya with strong institutions is in the interest of the stability of North Africa and the achievement of economic integration in the Arab Maghreb region.

The Kingdom’s commitment to efforts aimed at putting an end to the Libyan crisis is based on four determinants: supporting the Libyans and accompanying them without replacing them in their decisions, and remaining attached to the institutional legitimacy in Libya and to the legitimate institutions resulting from the Skhirat agreement, noted the minister.

It is also a matter of working within a clear framework alongside the United Nations as a contributor to the Libyan Dialogue and facilitator and of coordinating with all regional and international stakeholders without, however, engaging in agreements or participate in meetings on Libya without the presence of Libyans, he continued.

Contrary to pessimistic voices, Morocco remains optimistic about the future of Libya, said Bourita, noting that this optimism is based on several elements namely confidence in the ability of Libyans to overcome differences and notable progress achieved over the past few months through political dialogue while moving beyond the situation of chaos and non-dialogue.

He stressed in this regard that the continuation of meetings between the Libyan stakeholders is rightly a source of optimism.

Bourita also observed that the agreements reached by the two parties represent a “positive element” in the political process, noting that Morocco supports dialogue between Libyans on the issue they choose.

The minister also congratulated the delegations on their agreement regarding the final measures concerning the posts of sovereignty, while reiterating the particular support of HM the King at all stages aimed at putting an end to the Libyan crisis, as well as Morocco’s continued readiness to host any meeting between the Libyan parties.

At the end of this new round, the delegations of the High Council of State and the House of Representatives of Libya agreed on the formation and appointment of small work teams to take practical measures concerning the holders of sovereignty posts.

These teams will ensure in particular the development of application forms and invite candidates to present their files which must meet the agreed criteria and conditions.

Clear Covid-19 vaccination policy and rational distribution urged

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Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed urged the donors to directly monitor and control the donated free vaccine doses to avoid misuse and its selling in the private hospitals.   

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 – The stakeholders speaking at a webinar have suggested the Covid-19 vaccine donors to strictly monitor the distribution and administration of free doses being donated to the Pakistan government. They feared that free vaccine doses might be grabbed by the sides of those in power and sold on high prices as it was done in the case of Covid-19 free testing-kits.

The trust deficit between the people and the Pakistan government has widened. So, it is necessary to have external monitoring and control mechanisms for the Covid-19 vaccination to be in place to benefit the genuinely needy ones and the frontline workers and aged people.

They also urged the government to first develop an inclusive and integrated Covid-19 vaccination policy, followed by a strategic action plan. We are far behind in developing any inclusive and integrated framework for Covid-19 vaccination. Just firefighting would not serve the purpose to take care of the peoples’ healthcare and preventive needs. The federal government and the provinces have to be on the same page in this regard.

The participants urged the Chinese government to administer the free-doses of vaccination under their own supervision and by their own teams to ensure the rational use of the donated vaccine.

Very well-attended by the stakeholders and experts the webinar was organized by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) and DTN. The key experts included chief of the Prime Ministers Shelter Programme Naseem ur Rehman, Dr Masood Ghani, Dr Muhammad Ali, Dr Amena Hasan, Dr. Arshad Mahmood, HRDN CEO Robeela Bangash, Zatasha Niazi, Dr Khushboo Ejaz, local leader from Gilgit-Baltistan Iqbal Hussain, Azhar Qureshi, president Islamabad Crescent Lions Club Bashir Ahmed. Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed hosted and moderated the webinar.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief of the Pnanaghah (Shelters) Programme Naseem ur Rehman said the government would take care of the marginalized communities during the Covid-19 vaccination phase after the free-doses administered to the frontline workers including the medical professionals and aged persons. He hoped the leadership of Dr. Faisal Sultan and his team would rationalize and expedite the process. He said the institutional gaps have widened and trust building is essential for such a type of national crisis impacting human security.

Dr Masood Ghani, a well-known health practitioner and Vice District Governor Association of Lions Clubs International, said the Centre and provinces are not on the same page in handling the Covid-19 pandemic and its vaccination. We don’t see any clear and steadfast government policy and engagement of its institutions accordingly. That is why the public is also not taking the pandemic seriously. Despite all lousy handling, we are grateful to Allah for saving us from any major disaster. He asked the government to have an inclusive vaccination policy before going to buy anything.

Dr. Muhammad Ali said many actions of the government were commendable though they were not taken well in time. Same is the case with the vaccination phase. We are not clear about it. Even the professionals are not aware of the clinical trials of any vaccines in Pakistan. Government should have engaged any think tank to develop a Covid-19 vaccination policy and strategic action plan after finalizing the vaccination trials. We have no data analysis of the vaccination trials that why we are preferring the Chinese one.

Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed said donors shall send their own teams with free vaccines doses to ensure transparency in vaccination and rational distribution. The public have a trust deficit on the government aides keeping in view the past practices of daylight robbery of Covid-19 testing-kits. Donors should have their direct monitoring of control of the free vaccine doses.

Dr Arshad Waheed Chaudhary highlighted the importance of civil society in the vaccination phase to ensure transparency and fair distribution that is a very important aspect for the credibility of the process.

Namood Muslim, a journalist, asked to engage the corporate sector and the pharmaceutical industry under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and philanthropists.

Azhar Qureshi said only a few cases were reported from the villages that shows immunity level in the rural areas, and the same is the case of children. He suggested having metropolitans on top priority for vaccination and the inward passengers on the airports.

Dr.Amena Hsan said the government is preferring Chinese Vaccine, perhaps it would be available on credit besides half a million free doses.

The Gilgit-Batistan political figure Iqbal Hussain said that they don’t have sufficient doctors, paramedics and nurses to handle the pandemic and vaccination. Governmennts from the public health funds.

President ICCI urges govt to solve key issues of business community

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ISLAMABAD, JAN 24 (DNA) – Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce (ICCI) said that the business community is the backbone of the country’s economy, therefore, its role in economic stability is vital.

He stressed that the government should solve the key issues of the business community to facilitate them in business promotion. He said this while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a new branch of D-Watson Group Chain Store at Jinnah Supermarket Islamabad.

Mian Akram Farid, Chairman ICCI Founder Group, Zafar Bakhtawari Chairman D Watson Group, Zubair Ahmed Malikm former President FPCCI, Ejaz Abbasi former President ICCI, Ahsan Bakhtawari, Waqar Bakhtawari, Arham Bakhtawari, Asad Aziz, Zahid Maqbool, Ajmal Baloch, Tahir Abbasi, Chaudhry Abdul Ghaffar, Sheikh Abdul Waheed, Ashfaq Chatha and others were present at the occasion.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan said that D.Watson Group has provided employment to hundreds of people and was making useful contributions towards the economy. He paid tributes to D.Watson Group for opening a new branch and hoped that it would continue to achieve further growth.

Mian Akram Farid Chairman Founder Group said that D-Watson Group’s manifesto is to provide quality service at low prices. He congratulated D.Watson Group for opening a new branch of its chain store and hoped that they will continue their high quality and service.

Zafar Bakhtawari Chairman D.Watson Group said that his family has been involved in this business for many decades. He said that as a result of dedication and hardwork, D.Watson Group have achieved many new milestones.

Zubair A. Malik said that D.Watson Group is another name for high standards and ethics. He said that with honesty and ethics, the Group has captured significant market share and a special place in the hearts of the people.

Ejaz Abbasi said that whenever it comes to quality, people’s trust will always be in D.Watson. He prayed for more progress and prosperity of the D.Watson Group.

Ahsan Bakhtawari said that their joint family system, unity and harmony have always propelled their business forward. He said that there is a lesson for all people that consensus is a blessing for progress. He said that they are running business with a spirit of service. He said that their workers are their hands and arms as many workers have been working with them for the last 30 years.

Raja Saghir and Musaddiq Khattak was awarded a cash prize of Rs.5.5 lakh, while shields were also distributed among the branch employees.

Zahid Maqbool, Ajmal Baloch, Tahir Abbasi, Chaudhry Abdul Ghaffar, Sheikh Abdul Waheed, Ashfaq Chatha and others also spoke at the occasion and express good wishes for D.Watson Group.=DNA

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Pandemic has turned people to videogames

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You’re stuck in lockdown but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit a tropical island, a space station or have games night with your friends — certain video games have filled the need of the world’s confined for a bit of distraction, adventure and socialising and achieved unexpected success during the pandemic.

Animal Crossing

No adversaries or competition in “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” which came out in March for Nintendo’s Switch console. Instead players explore an island, collecting fruit and making tools and furniture, trading with others, as the seasons slowly change.

This version of the game certainly hit the spot with players hungry for a bit of light-hearted diversion. It powered to the top of the sales charts in the United States in March 2020, and was among top sellers in other countries as well. It was the number two title in Europe for 2020 overall, according to GfK.

“The smashing success of Animal Crossing is explained by two factors: one is an underlying trend towards family games and the other is the short-term factor of the confinement,” said Nicolas Vignolles, head of the association of French video game publisher association SELL.

He said parents suddenly confronted with being confined with their children looked to video games to find options for family entertainment, and that “Animal Crossing was an ideal game for parent-child interaction.”

Nintendo’s chief in France, Philippe Lavoue, has acknowledged the firm’s lucky timing of releasing the game just as many people were needing an escape.

“But we were happy to have helped confined people feel less lonely and to escape mentally,” he told the French newspaper Le Figaro.

Among Us

The success of “Among Us” in 2020 was a big surprise for the industry as the title drew little attention when was originally released in 2018.

But its developers at US studio Innersloth kept refining their concept, which paid off when some prominent game streamers on Twitch began to play it on the platform in mid-2020.

By November the game had half a billion players, according to Superdata, which monitors the gaming industry.

The online multiplayer game takes place on a space ship. Most people are crewmates but several are imposters who are out to kill or at least block crewmates from carrying out their assigned tasks. Lively debates take place as crewmates seek to unmask the imposters.

The game’s popularity has even seen US lawmakers join in matches broadcast on Twitch in an effort to reach young voters last year.

For French game publisher Nicolas Vignolles it is the exchanges between players that explains the game’s popularity.

“Among Us at the intersection of social networking and video games,” he said, noting that nearly one in two gamers in France say that video games help them create social relationships.

“That didn’t exist before… This underlying trend has accelerated with confinement,” said Vignolles.

Ring Fit Adventure

If working out and playing video games are usually two contradictory activities, “Ring Fit Adventure” brings them together.

The game works with the Switch console, whose controllers are slotted into a Pilates ring and a leg strap.

Once equipped, players can fight against monsters or be guided through fitness routines by the television.

The closure of gyms along with lockdowns fuelled a spike in sales, leading to shortages last year after consumers snapped up four million units between October 2019 and July 2020.

FIFA 2021

The halt to many football matches and the postponement of the Euro championship may have sparked interest among fans to play virtually. According to GfK, FIFA 2021 from Electronic Arts was the best-selling video game in 2020.

Board and card games

If chess boards and Uno cards graced the tables of many households more frequently during lockdowns, their video games versions did as well.

A sign of that is a collection of classic board games for Switch was among the top sellers for the console in France last year, Nintendo told Le Figaro.

“The big lesson of confinement was that video games have broken definitively the stereotype of a game that can cause people to withdraw and become isolated,” said Nicolas Vignolles.

“They were an incredibly effective antidote to isolation.”

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