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2,260 new Coronavirus cases reported; 63 deaths in past 24 hours

                ISLAMABAD, The national tally of total active COVID-19 cases in Pakistan on Saturday reached 39,177 with 2,260 more people tested positive for the deadly virus and 1,531 people recovered from the Coronavirus during the last 24 hours.

Sixty-three corona patients, 56 of whom were under treatment in hospital and Seven in their respective homes or quarantines died on Friday, according to the latest update issued by the National command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

During the last 24 hours most of the deaths had occurred in Punjab followed by the Sindh.

It added that out of the total 63 deaths during last 24 hours 38 patients died on ventilators.

No COVID affected person was on ventilator in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) while 316 ventilators were occupied elsewhere in Pakistan.

The maximum ventilators were occupied in four major areas including Multan 57 percent, ICT 42 percent, Peshawar 26 percent and Lahore 34 percent.

The Oxygen beds (oxygen providing facility other than ventilator as per patient’s medical requirement) were also occupied in four major areas as in ICT 34 percent, Abbottabad 33 percent, Peshawar63 percent and Multan 40 percent.

Some 36,909 tests were conducted across the country on Friday, including 11,692 in Sindh, 14,085 in Punjab, 5,976 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 3,673 in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), 779 in Balochistan, 390 in GB, and 314 in AJK.

Pakistani envoy Munir Akram greets Pakistani, UN community on Xmas, Quaid’s birthday

DNA

                NEW YORKPakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, has greeted the U.N. and Pakistani community members on the Christmas Day as well as the birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah which was celebrated on Friday.

“This Christmas has come at the end of a difficult year for all humanity,” he said in a message released in New York.

“While we celebrate in this festive season, we must be thankful for the Almighty’s beneficence and be kind and generous to those who are grieving and suffering amongst us.”

Paying tributes to Pakistan’s founding father, Ambassador Akram said, “His  integrity, commitment and vision inspired a nation to wage a peaceful struggle to gain independence from colonial rule and communal domination.”

The Quaid, he said, single-handedly reshaped the map of South Asia and transformed the dream of an independent homeland for the Muslims of the sub-continent into the tangible reality.

“On his 144th birth anniversary, all Pakistanis, at home and abroad, must live up to his call for unity, faith and discipline and renew the collective commitment to realize the Quaid’s purpose of making Pakistan a progressive, advanced and welfare state which guarantees a secure future for all its citizens and protects the rights of the weak and vulnerable in Pakistan and of those who are oppressed in any part of the world.”

Meanwhile, in a write-up carried by PassBlue, a publication devoted to the coverage of UN activities, Elizabeth Colton, a former US diplomat who served in Pakistan several years ago spoke about her pleasant experiences celebrating Christmas in that Muslim country.

“Pakistan is where I’ve had some of my favourite Christmases,” she wrote. “Founded as a Muslim state by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the nation honours his birthday on Dec. 25 as a national holiday. ‘Merry Christmas & Greetings on Quaid-i-Azam Day’ were frequent email greetings I received when I lived there as a diplomat’.”

As press attache and spokesperson at the US Embassy in Islamabad, Ms. Colton said, “I enjoyed Christmas days in both 2006 and 2007 over special Pakistani dinners with good journalist and architect friends”.

“Sadly, though, the once-happy memory of the 2007 Christmas and Jinnah birthday holiday was horrifically tarnished by a tragedy two days later — the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister and a friend, Benazir Bhutto, on Dec. 27 in nearby Rawalpindi.”

ICCI calls for streamlining supply system to reduce inflation

Islamabad (        ) Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the common man was facing great difficulties due to high inflation and emphasized that Market Committee Islamabad should focus on streamlining the supply system in order to bring down the prices of daily used items that would provide good relief to the people. He said this while exchanging views with Rosh Dil Khan Hoti, Chairman Market Committee Islamabad during his visit to ICCI. Director DMA Capt. Ali Asghar and Additional Deputy Commissioner General Rana Waqas also accompanied him. Abdul Rehman Khan Vice President ICCI, Muhammad Ejaz Abbasi former President ICCI, Ajmal Baloch President All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, Khalid Chaudhry, Tahir Abbasi, Abdul Rehman Siddiqui, F-10 President Ahmad Khan, General Secretary Malik Naeem Iqbal, Ali Akram and others were also present on the occasion.

Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan said that the imposition of fines or penalties would not help in reducing inflation, therefore, efforts should be intensified to streamline the supply and delivery systems. He assured that the business community of Islamabad would continue to cooperate with the Market Committee, DMA and district administration to resolve the issues causing inflation.

Speaking at the occasion, Rosh Dil Khan Hoti, Chairman, Market Committee, Islamabad said that in line with the vision of the Prime Minister, efforts were being made to bring down the prices of vegetables, fruits and other commodities. “Some items have become very expensive due to the volatile weather conditions, but with the right steps, their prices were gradually on the decline,” he said. He further said that a few stalls were allowed for the convenience of the people, however, no stall was allowed near any market. He said that all the stalls would be removed from the next week as the prices of vegetables and fruits were expected to come down in coming days.

Capt. Ali Asghar, Director DMA said that the cooperation of the business community was needed to remove the encroachments from Islamabad and instructions have been issued by the Chief Commissioner in this regard. He said that if anyone was facing any issue regarding trade license or board tax, he should approach the DMA Office.

Ajmal Baloch, President, All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran, Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, Khalid Chaudhry, Tahir Abbasi, Ahmad Khan, Abdul Rehman Siddiqui and others also spoke at the occasion and gave many useful suggestions for controlling the prices of daily used items.

NAB absolutely committed to make Pakistan corruption free


ISLAMABAD: Dec 26, 2020: Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB has said that NAB is absolutely committed to make Pakistan corruption free as fight against corruption is being taken as a national duty. He said that NAB was established to eradicate corruption and to recover looted money from corrupt elements. NAB since its inception has recovered Rs. 714 billion directly and indirectly which is a remarkable achievement as compared to other anti corruption organizations with approximately conviction ratio of 68.8 percent. He said that “NAB’s faith is Corruption free Pakistan”. NAB;s efforts have been appreciated by national and international reputed organizations like Transparency International Pakistan, World Economic Forum, PILDAT and Mishal Pakistan. As per Gillani and Gallop Survey, 59 percent people have shown trust upon NAB. He said that NAB is the focal institution of Pakistan under United Nations Convention against Corruption. The convention was ratified by Pakistan in the past as it is a pride for Pakistan due to NAB’s efforts. He said that NAB is the first Chairman of SAARC Anti Corruption Forum as NAB is considered a role model among the SAARC countries due to its effective anti corruption strategy of Awareness, Prevention and Enforcement. He said that Pakistan is the only country in the world which has signed MOU with China to oversee CEPC projects as well as to enhance cooperation in order to eradicate corruption. He directed all NAB officers to double their efforts in nabbing corrupt elements and recovered from them the hard earned looted money of the innocent citizens of Pakistan so that the country should become prosperous and development projects should be completed.

He said that NAB has introduced a new concept of a “Combined Investigation Team” where two investigation officers and a legal consultant, financial expert, forensic expert under the supervision of Additional Director/Case officer and concerned Director are working as a team for a fair and transparent inquiries and investigations as per law, so that the quality of inquiries and investigation of NAB must improved in all aspects further due to collective wisdom as well as establishment of NAB’s first Forensic Science Lab which has all facilities of Digital Forensics, Questioned Documents and Fingerprint Analysis etc. NAB has established its own Pakistan Training and Research Academy in which specialized training has been started to impart investigation officers and Prosecutors officers on modern lines in order to further improve the standard and quality of cases of money laundering/white collar crime cases etc. NAB has also established an Anti Money Laundering Cell in NAB Headquarters. NAB has signed a Memorandum of understanding with the Higher Education Commission to aware students of Universities/Colleges about the ill effects of corruption which have proved very successful. NAB is monitoring the performance of all regional bureaus in order to further improve the performance of NAB. On the instructions of Chairman NAB, a Special complaint cells have been established in NAB Headquarters and all bureaus to listen to the complaints of the business community as NAB has great regard for the business community which play a vital role in the development of the country. NAB has no affiliation with any political party, group and individual. NAB’s affiliation is only with the state of Pakistan. Chairman NAB directed all Regional Bureaus to respect every person who is visiting NAB office and ensure their self respect as per law as NAB is a human friendly organization.

CM assures UBG leadership for allocation of land

LAHORE Dec 26  (             ) Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar Saturday assured the leadership of United
Business Group for allocation of land to 11 Chambers of Commerce and Industry for the establishment of their offices on top priority in line with the vision of Prime Minister to stimulate industrialisation in the country.
            It was disclosed today by Chaudhry Zahid Iqbal Arain Vice President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and leader of United Business Group after his result oriented meeting with CM. His younger brother Member National Assembly from Vehari Chaudhry Tahir Iqbal Arain was also present on the occasion.
      Briefing the Chairman core committee UBG Iftikhar Ali Malik about his meeting with CM  he said that it was brought to his notice that 11 chambers of commerce in Dera Ghazi Khan,Sahiwal,khanewal,Okara,Jhang,Sheikhupura,Sargodha,Jhelum,Chiniot Attock and FPCCI regional office Lahore don’t have land for construction of their buildings as all of them don’t have resources to buy land from open markets.
     Ch Zahid further informed that CM gave patience hearing to to their lawful demand of UBG for addressing genuine grievances of the business community. He said that CM was kind enough to issue instant direction to Secretary Industries,Commerce and Investment to proceed further in the matter and submit report to him.
   UBG Presidential candidate Khalid Tawab for Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry,SVP candidate Abdur Rauf Mukhtar Arain and VP candidate from Punjab Pervaiz Lala hailed the CM decision for meeting the legitimate demands of the business community and hoped CM will continue to support for help boosting economic activities.

Erdogan says Turkey would like better ties with Israel, but terms its Palestine policy ‘unacceptable’

ANKARA, DEC 25 – President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Turkey would like to have better ties with Israel, but criticised Israeli policy toward Palestinians as “unacceptable” and a “red line” for Ankara, adding that intelligence talks resumed between the two sides.

The two countries have had a bitter falling out in recent years, despite strong commercial ties, expelling ambassadors in 2018. Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel’s occupation in the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians.

Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers in Istanbul, Erdogan said Turkey had issues with “people at the top level” in Israel and that ties could have been “very different” if it were not for those issues.

“The Palestine policy is our red line. It is impossible for us to accept Israel’s Palestine policies. Their merciless acts there are unacceptable,” Erdogan said.

“If there were no issues at the top level, our ties could have been very different,” he added. “We would like to bring our ties to a better point.”

Turkey and Israel, former allies, expelled each other’s top diplomats in 2018 over clashes when dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces on the Gaza border. Ankara and Tel Aviv continue to trade with one another.

In August, Israel accused Turkey of giving passports to a dozen Hamas members in Istanbul, describing the move as “a very unfriendly step”, which his government would raise with Turkish officials.

Hamas seized Gaza from forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007, and the group has fought three wars with Israel since then. Turkey says Hamas is a legitimate political movement that was elected democratically.

Israel, which has formalised ties with four Muslim countries this year, said on Wednesday it was working towards normalising ties with a fifth Muslim nation, possibly in Asia. Tunisia said on Tuesday it did not intend to normalise ties.

Ankara has slammed the US-brokered rapprochements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, with Erdogan previously threatening to suspend diplomatic ties with the UAE and withdraw its envoy. It also slammed Bahrain’s decision to formalise ties as a blow to efforts to defend the Palestinian cause.

Palestinians have censured the US-brokered deals, seeing a betrayal of a long-standing demand that Israel first meet their statehood demand. Egypt and Israel established full relations in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Israel will hold a snap election in March after parliament failed on Tuesday to meet a deadline to pass a budget.

2023 elections to be held according to new census results: Governor Sindh

KARACHI, DEC 25 (DNA) – Sindh Governor Imran Ismail has said that the 2023 elections will be held in accordance with the results of a new census.

Talking to media persons, Governor Sindh said that the issue regarding MQM’s protest is that local body elections are near and a census cannot be held in just one month. However, he noted that MQM-P leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui’s demand for a census in urban areas is legitimate.

He said that preparations for the new census would begin in 2022 and the 2023 elections would be held in accordance with its results.

Earlier in the day, head of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that his party still has reservations regarding the last national census, in which Sindh’s population was deliberately underreported.

Talking to media in Karachi, he said that if there was no engineering in the 2018 elections, all votes would have been cast for MQM. He also clarified that MQM is not being used, otherwise it would not have been talking to the media.

The MQM-P leader said that they are going to engage the public on the issue of census results. He said that he has informed the government about their policy and the party is going to seek the opinion of the public on this issue.

“There are many blocks in Karachi where there are voters but the population was recorded as zero”, he said. The MQM chief said that their demand for a fair census is not political or partisan in nature. = DNA

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Sindh contributes $164 bn in national GDP: CM Murad

KARACHI, DEC 25 (DNA) – Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that Sindh being the second largest province of Pakistan and Karachi being its provincial capital is the economic and industrial hub of the country, contributing $164 billion of GDP as reported in 2019.

This he said while speaking at 26th Annual General Body Meeting of Pakistan Engineering Council here at NED University of Engineering & Technology on Friday.

He said that he graduated from NED University, Karachi in 1986. “Being a part of the most prestigious, professional and prudent community of the country, I assure all my efforts for the betterment of the engineering profession,” he said.

He congratulated PAC on successful conduct of AGM-2020 during this testing time of pandemic Covid-19 outbreak. Mr Shah said that Sindh was the second largest province of Pakistan and Karachi being its provincial capital was the economic and industrial hub of the country, contributing $164 billion of GDP as reported in 2019.

“This city accounts for almost half of the total collections of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) which is a substantial chunk of Sindh’s GDP, around 95 percent,” he said and added “this contribution is attributed by Engineers, industries and production activities including engineering services.”

The CM said that PEC was the sole representative of engineering community in Pakistan which has already achieved significant milestones, including the membership of all prestigious international forums and became a vibrant professional body to regulate engineering profession, including engineering education in-line with international standards and best practices, towards professional development and achieving excellence in the profession.

“The recent visible role of PEC as tasked by Ministry of Science & Technology during Covid19 pandemic for the establishment of required standards for electro-medical devices such as ventilator and constituting various research groups in universities and industry to come up with indigenous designs, developing innovation testing center/Lab in PEC, product development, operational testing by experts and finally facilitating for serial production after the approval of clinical testing by DRAP is an amazing response to show-case capabilities by our engineers in a very short period of span,” he said.

He said that today the PEC stood amongst the progressive professional bodies not only in the country but also of the developing world and rendering its mentoring guidance to Muslim Ummah and developing region, including Africa and central Asia.

“I hope the resolutions adopted by 26th AGM will further bring necessary reforms for improvements in the on-going PEC agenda of betterment and facilitation to engineering profession and allied institutions and industry, emerging as one of leading professional bodies of the world,” he said.

Murad Ali Shah said that all such initiatives and future proposals for the betterment of engineering fraternity and profession would be supported by the Sindh government to adopt and implement in relevant departments which could improve efficiency and effectiveness for better engineering services towards society.

Addressing the engineers present in the meeting, Mr Shah said “you all are witnessed that we have been complying such necessary regulations for all engineering positions inline with PEC Act 1976 after the clarity by the honorable Supreme Court,” he said and added “the Proposal of Technical Allowance for professional Engineers is being worked out in various provincial departments which will be a long awaited thoughtful step for the engineering community.” He hoped this would raise further spirit among Engineers to contribute for the uplift of engineering profession and socio-economic development of Pakistan. = DNA

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Islamabad United announces Johan Botha as new head coach for PSL 6

KARACHI: Islamabad United on Friday announced that South African-Australian cricketer Johan Botha has been appointed the franchise’s head coach for the upcoming sixth season Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The appointment of Botha — who had previously worked as the fielding coach for the franchise in the series’ second iteration — was a delight for the two-time PSL champions Islamabad United, who said they “are excited” about it.

The South African cricketer was also the head coach of Multan Sultans for the PSL’s season 4 in 2019, where his team finished fifth, just ahead of the Lahore Qalandars.

Botha has played over a hundred matches for his national team, including 21 games as the captain of the Proteas. He took 126 wickets in his international career and played over 200 T20 matches in leagues all around the world.

Regarding his appointment, Botha said he was very happy to be back at the Islamabad United.

“It is the franchise where I got my first taste of the Pakistan Super League at PSL 2. Since then I have had different experiences at the PSL as well as a range of coaching stints at various tournaments around the world,” he said.

“My plan is to bring all these experiences together and hopefully create another memorable PSL for Islamabad United,” Botha said.

Franchise owner Ali Naqvi said Botha’s success across the world in T20 leagues would not be a surprise to anyone who had seen him work back then.

“He provides a progressive understanding of T20 cricket that we pride ourselves on, and we are confident that he will do his utmost in achieving our shared goals,” Naqvi said.

The PSL’s sixth edition is scheduled to start February 20, 2021.

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