LAHORE : Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Buzdar has expressed disappointment over the negative politics of opposition parties.
In a statement released from Lahore on Sunday, CM Usman Buzdar said that the nation has rejected the politics of chaos by the opposition parties.He went to say that the alliance of 11 opposition parties have also made coronavirus their companion as they are fearlessly holding rallies without taking care of the lives of the people. The political opponents only want to close the files of their corruption, he added.
“Opposition has no agenda.”
The CM has further warned of taking strict action against those violating the law.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is all set to hold its power show at Minar-i-Pakistan today.
The 11-party opposition alliance is holding the rally in violation of the government-defined standard operating procedures (SOPs) to halt the spread of coronavirus. Moreover, the event doesn’t have the government’s approval.
The local administration has denied the PDM permission to hold the public meeting citing a continued spike in coronavirus infections. The opposition didn’t heed the government’s calls to postpone the rally by at least two months.
ISLAMABAD : As many as 3,369 new cases of the coronavirus were reported across the country during the past 24 hours, pushing the national tally of infections to 438,425.
According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), 72 more people succumbed to the infection during this period, taking the death toll from the disease to 8,796.A total of 42,222 samples were tested in the previous 24 hours, out of which 3,369 turned out to be positive.
The number of active cases stands at 46,629 while 383,000 patients have recuperated from the disease so far.
Since the pandemic began, Sindh has reported as many as 194,359 infections, Punjab 127,212, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 52,092, Balochistan 17,737, Islamabad 34,579, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 7,663 and Gilgit Baltistan 4,783.
A total of 3,149 people died from the virus in Sindh, 3,351 in Punjab, 1,463 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 368 in Islamabad, 175 in Balochistan, 99 in Gilgit Baltistan and 191 in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
OSLO – The Norwegian government is providing an additional NOK 602 million in innovation support to 66 companies across the country through the Research Council.
“There is a tremendous development of knowledge in Norwegian companies, and we must support this to ensure sustainable growth and increased competitiveness,” Minister of Trade and Industry Iselin Nybø (V) said in a press release.
The support goes to companies in the health, technology, tourism, agriculture, and aquaculture sectors.
Start-ups, small, medium, and large companies will receive funding.
The new support is in addition to almost NOK 1.7 billion that have previously been allocated to innovation projects in the business sector. These have gone to 164 companies.
Thus, this year, around NOK 450 million more has been allocated for innovation support compared to 2019.
WASHINGTON, DEC 12 – Here is the verbatim of U.S. President Donald Trump’s proclamation on the Moroccan Sahara. “The United States affirms, as stated by previous Administrations, its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute over the Western Sahara territory.
Therefore, as of today, the United States recognizes Moroccan sovereignty over the entire Western Sahara territory and reaffirms its support for Morocco’s serious, credible, and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution to the dispute over the Western Sahara territory.The United States believes that an independent Sahrawi State is not a realistic option for resolving the conflict and that genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty is the only feasible solution.
We urge the parties to engage in discussions without delay, using Morocco’s autonomy plan as the only framework to negotiate a mutually acceptable solution.To facilitate progress toward this aim, the United States will encourage economic and social development with Morocco, including in the Western Sahara territory, and to that end will open a consulate in the Western Sahara territory, in Dakhla, to promote economic and business opportunities for the region.NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim that, the United States recognizes that the entire Western Sahara territory is part of the Kingdom of Morocco.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth.”DONALD J. TRUMP
On December 11, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council session, via videoconference.
The event, which was chaired by President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko, was also attended by Honorary Chairman of the Council, First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Acting President of the Kyrgyz Republic Talant Mamytov and Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.
President of the Republic of Moldova Igor Dodon attended the meeting as head of the observer state to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), as well as invited President of the Republic of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez.
In accordance with the agenda of the summit, the issue of granting the Republic of Uzbekistan observer status in the EAEU, as well as current aspects of further development of multifaceted cooperation within the framework of this Union were considered.
In his speech, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, expressing sincere gratitude for supporting Uzbekistan’s application for obtaining the observer status, highlighted the growing international authority of the organization and wide geography of its practical cooperation with foreign countries.
It was emphasized that in the context of the ongoing important stage of large-scale socio-economic reforms, Uzbekistan is committed to consistently increasing and strengthening trade-economic and investment cooperation with all international partners, including the development of dialogue with the Eurasian Economic Union.
This is due to the following key factors.
EAEU countries are, first of all, main trading partners of Uzbekistan. In recent years, Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with the Union states has doubled.
The economies of the countries complement each other in many ways, as evidenced by the established effective cooperation and more than a thousand new joint ventures in various sectors of the economy.
Transport communications and infrastructure of Uzbekistan and EAEU countries are deeply integrated and closely interrelated.
In addition, today mutually beneficial relations within the framework of vast Eurasian region are characterized by high mobility of labor resources.
The Head of the state called for full use of huge potential of the countries’ economies, joint elimination of barriers and obstacles in trade relations and mutual formation of new markets.
Interest in deepening industrial cooperation, as well as formation of sustainable value chains based on best practices and innovative approaches was noted.
Special attention was paid to the importance of developing coordinated approaches in transport and transit, which will allow even more actively use the transport corridors, increase their competitiveness and significantly increase the load.
The importance of close cooperation in labor migration, which will help solve many current issues of employment and meet the growing needs of the country’s economies for qualified specialists, was noted.
All the above-mentioned factors led to the approval of the proposal by the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan on cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian Economic Union in the status of an observer state.
It was noted that this will allow to enter a qualitatively new stage of practical and multifaceted interaction, to better understand the important process taking place within framework of the Union.
The Head of the state emphasized that the development of such partnership should meet the national interests of the countries, be based on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and consideration of each other’s interests.
Following the summit, leaders of EAEU member states made a unanimous decision to grant the Republic of Uzbekistan observer status at the organization.
ISLAMABAD, Dec 12 (DNA): Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar Saturday said Pakistan and China would work together to take the mega China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project to new heights.
“The great nations of Pakistan and China will work together to strengthen CPEC to take it to a higher level for mutual prosperity of both nations”, he said in a tweet. He informed that he would personally hold four meetings in next fortnight to address all outstanding issues of CPEC projects.
Earlier, the Embassy of China in Pakistan said through its official twitter account that the Chinese companies were committed to the new phase of CPEC cooperation under guidance of two governments.
It also appreciated Asad Umar and Chairman CPEC Authority Asim Bajwa for meeting with representatives from CPEC projects to discuss ways forward.
The minister held a meeting on Thursday with all the companies working on coal to gas and coal to liquid projects.
During the meeting, Asad Umar said induction of this new technology will unlock vast local energy reserves and go a long way in enhancing energy security of Pakistan and for this purpose a policy framework was being developed.
RAWALPINDI, Dec 12 (DNA): General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) attended the 48th Basic Aviation Security Course Passing out Parade held at Airport Security Force Academy, Karachi.
Large number of serving/retired officials and families of passing out trainees witnessed the parade.
While addressing the participants of the ceremony, the COAS said that training of ASF trainees will enhance the standards of the aviation security in Pakistan. He expressed satisfaction with the training and performance of the ASF trainees and also appreciated participation of women in the force.
The COAS congratulated the trainees & their families and distributed the prizes among the position holders. Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Major General Zafar UI Haq, Director General Airport Security Force at the Academy.
Later, COAS visited Headquarters Pakistan Rangers Sindh, where he was received by Major General Omer Ahmed Bokhari. During interaction, COAS appreciated the contributions of Sindh Rangers in maintaining peace and stability in Karachi and paid homage to their sacrifices. On arrival, COAS also laid floral wreath on Yadgar-e-Shuhuda.
ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan unveiled the logo of ‘Travel Responsibly for Experiencing Ecotourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’ (TREK) – a collaboration between KP government, World Bank Group and Nestlé Pakistan at a ceremony held in the capital.
Prime Minister Imran Khan said, “I would like to give my heartfelt congratulations to, Mehmood Khan, Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – for his partnership with the World Bank and Nestlé Pakistan for a project I believe that was necessary for a really long time.”
The partners vowed to work together for the protection of ecosystem through solid waste management and plastics recycling at the tourism sites across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. TREK activities include awareness campaigns for tourists, and training of local communities and businesses on waste minimization and collection.
Speakers in the event highlighted the role of tourism in job creation and appreciated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s efforts for facilitating tourists by improving accessibility through roads, rescue services and planning of tourism zones.
“We are opening up new destinations for domestic and international tourists and inviting the private sector to further develop the tourism market of the province. Our collaboration with the World Bank Group, Nestle and other stakeholders will strengthen the efforts to create livelihood opportunities and effectively address the issues faced by the tourism sector including waste management”, said the Chief Minister of KP, Mahmood Khan, when addressing the event.
“TREK is an initiative under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development (KITE) project being implemented in partnership with the World Bank Group. Tourism Department and its activities emphasize heritage preservation, tourism infrastructure development and destination management while adhering to the fundamentals of responsible tourism,” said Abid Majeed, Secretary Sports, Tourism, Archaeology, Culture and Youth for KP.
Speaking on the occasion, Najy Benhassine, Country Director for World Bank Group (WBG), Pakistan said, “The WBG is keen to continue supporting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in their efforts to provide employment opportunities to the youth in the tourism sector. Today marks the beginning of an important partnership with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and private sector and we expect to see more corporates stepping forward to contribute towards responsible tourism across the country. The growth and job creation potential of this sector is massive”.
Highlighting Nestlé’s initiative in the project, Samer Chedid, CEO, Nestlé Pakistan said, “As part of our vision for a waste-free future, we are accelerating our actions to tackle plastic waste and our partnership with WBG & KP government is a step in that direction. We will be driving new behavior and understanding through community engagement, cleanup activities, trainings and connecting waste recycling companies with the local administration.”
Earlier, KITE and Economic Revitalization of KP (ERKP) project contributed 2 excavators, 6 garbage compactors, 4 dumper trucks, more than 300 dustbins for disposing, collecting and removing waste in the jurisdiction of the Galyat Development Authority, Kaghan Development Authority and Kalam’s relevant authority.
ISLAMABAD, DEC 12 – Justice (RTED) Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB has said that NAB strongly believes in “Zero Corruption, 100% Development”. NAB absolutely committed to root out corruption with iron hands in all its forms and menifestations with an atmosphere of renewed energy and dynamism, where fight against corruption is being taken as national duty.He said that our Father of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in his address to the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan had termed “One of the biggest curses… is corruption and bribery. That really is a poison. We must put it down with an iron hand”.
The Honorable Mr. Justice Javed Iqbal, Chairman NAB said that the National Accountability Bureau was established to eradicate corruption in a holistic and integrated manner. This is the backdrop against with NAB is seriously working to accomplish its mission i.e. to rid the nation from corruption and corrupt practices and make Pakistan corruption free. He said that NAB’s operational methodology has set three stages for proceeding of cases: complaint verification, inquiry and investigation. NAB’s officers/officials need to follow Anti Corruption Strategy by Adopting “Accountability for All” policy against eradication of corruption. He said that the hard work, commitment, transparency and merit being put in by NAB officers are being appreciated by national and international reputed organizations. He said that NAB officers should double their efforts in nabbing corrupt elements and recover from them hard earned looted money of the innocent citizens of Pakistan.
He said that through detailed introspection and analysis of organizational procedures, all pillars of the organization i.e. Operations, Prosecution, Human Resource Development and Awareness and Prevention. He said that to close the possibility of any single NAB officer/official influencing the discharge of official business, the new concept of a “Combined Investigation Team” (CIT) was introduced where two investigation officers and a legal consultant, financial expert under the supervision of Additional Director/Case and concerned Director are working as a team for a fair, transparent and unbiased, inquiry/ investigations. He said that the quality of inquiry and investigation of NAB must have further improve due to establishment of NAB’s first Forensic Science Lab (FSL) in Islamabad which has all facilities of Digital Forensics, Questioned Documents and Fingerprint Analysis which will help is lending quality and solid evidence in conduct of inquiries and investigations. He said that NAB has devised Monitoring & Evaluation System (MES) in order to monitor NAB performance of NAB and all Regional Bureaus in qualitative and quantitative terms which has proved very helpful in evaluation of overall performance of NAB. He said that NAB is the only Organization with whom China has signed MoU to oversee projects being undertaken under CEPC. He said that NAB Ordinance 1999’s preamble emphasizes to nab corrupt and recover looted money. Due to this reason, NAB has recovered Rs. 466 billion since its inception and its overall conviction ration is about 86.8 percent. He said that NAB hopes that joint efforts of all stakeholders can collaborate to check corruption before happening with the help of all stakeholders.
It is the second Additional Financing under this Project, after US$150 million were approved on April 30, 2020
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a loan to Ukraine in the amount of US$300 million for the Second Additional Financing for COVID-19 Response under the Social Safety Nets Modernization Project.
“This additional financing will help strengthen Ukraine’s Guaranteed Minimum Income Program (GMI) to prevent around 1 million Ukrainians from falling into poverty due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the World Bank said in a press release on December 11, 2020.
It is the second Additional Financing under this Project, after US$150 million were approved on April 30, 2020, it said.
World Bank projections show that, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, poverty in Ukraine could increase by 4%, reaching around 23% by the end of 2020. The new funds will help finance Ukraine’s COVID-19 social protection emergency response by introducing fast cash transfers to individuals and households who have lost their jobs or income sources because of the pandemic. Poor households will receive benefits through the country’s GMI Program.
What is more, the loan also supports scaling up Ukraine’s social protection over the next years. According to World Bank estimates, 60% of the Ukrainians who may fall into poverty because of the COVID-19 outbreak do not currently benefit from any existing social protection program.
