UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered England back into a national lockdown after the country passed the milestone of one million Covid-19 cases and a second wave of infections threatened to overwhelm the health service.
The United Kingdom, which has the biggest official death toll in Europe from Covid-19, is grappling with more than 20,000 new coronavirus cases a day and scientists have warned the “worst case” scenario of 80,000 dead could be exceeded.
Johnson, at a hastily convened news conference in Downing Street after news of a lockdown leaked to local media, said that the one-month lockdown across England would kick in after midnight on Thursday morning and last until Dec 2.
In some of the most onerous restrictions in Britain’s peacetime history, people will only be allowed to leave home for specific reasons such as education, work, exercise, shopping for essentials and medicines or caring for the vulnerable.
“We must act now,” Johnson said, flanked by his chief medical officer, Chris Whitty, and his chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance. “Unless we act, we could see deaths in this country running at several thousand a day.”
The government will revive its emergency coronavirus wage subsidy scheme to ensure workers who are temporarily laid off during a new England-wide lockdown receive 80 per cent of their pay, he said.
Essential shops, schools, and universities will remain open, Johnson said, and while elite sports will continue, amateur sports for adults and children will be asked to stop.
Pubs and restaurants will be shut apart from takeaways, and outbound international travel will be discouraged except for work. All non-essential retail will close.
Places of worship will remain open for private prayer, though funerals will be limited to close family members only.
Johnson’s imposition of stricter curbs came after scientists warned the outbreak was going in the wrong direction and that action was needed to halt the spread of the virus if families were to have any hope of gathering at Christmas.
RIYADH : The third phase of Umrah pilgrimage resumption for Muslims belonging to foreign countries has started today (Sunday).
The Saudi Arabia government has announced fresh measures for the Umrah pilgrimage, which was suspended for six months due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The barricade placed around the Kaaba and the holy Black Stone will remain in its place and visitors will be prevented from touching them.Masjid al-Haram will be disinfected 10 times a day, while quarantine rooms have already been established for visitors having symptoms of COVID-19.
Announcing the protocols for the resumption of International Umrah, it said that a negative PCR test no earlier than 72-hours before departure time in origin will be needed from the pilgrims while a quarantine period of three days must be completed in the hotel.
“Each group must be accompanied by a registered guide as no individual will be allowed to perform the Umrah,” it said while directing the pilgrims to arrive in the Kingdom with a registered group.
Meanwhile, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has called on Umrah performers to protect themselves and their families by adhering to the preventive measures approved by the authorities of Saudi Arabia.
In a statement, Secretary-General, Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen said the OIC congratulates Muslims around the world for the return to Umrah after temporary suspension.
He also called on the Muslims to follow Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health protocols.
At least two people died and five were injured after being stabbed by a man wearing medieval clothes, armed with a bladed weapon near the Parliament Hill area of Quebec City, Canada, late on Saturday, local media reported.
The local police said they arrested a male suspect early on Sunday and told people residing near the area to stay indoors as the investigation was still ongoing.
The police had earlier said that they were on the hunt for a man dressed in medieval clothing carrying a bladed weapon, leaving “multiple victims”.
Five victims have been transported to a local hospital, but their immediate condition was not known, according to police spokesperson Etienne Doyon.
It quoted Doyon as saying that the suspect was in his mid-20s and was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.
There were no immediate details available on the possible motive behind the attack.
WICKET: Iftikhar Ahmed completes his five-wicket haul as Sean Williams departs for 75 after being taken by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Zimbabwe: 171-8 (37.2 overs)
Update: Pakistan on top in the second ODI as they were 157-7 in 35 overs with Sean Williams and Carl Mumba at the crease.
Statistician Israr Hashmi has some interesting trivia about Iftikhar Ahmed
WICKET: Iftikhar Ahmed picks his fourth wicket as he traps Tendai Chisoro leg before
Zimbabwe: 150-7 (33.4 overs)
WICKET: Sikandar Raza is caught and bowled by Iftikhar Ahmed for two.
Zimbabwe: 142-6 (31.4 overs)
Update: Things are not looking good for the visitors as they are reeling at 139-5 at the end of 30 overs.
WICKET: Another wicket for off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed as Wesley Madhevere is caught by substitute Fakhar Zaman for 10.
Zimbabwe: 139-5 (29.2 overs)
WICKET: A much-needed wicket for Pakistan as centurion from the first ODI Brendan Taylor is caught from the bowling of Iftikhar Ahmed for 36.
Zimbabwe: 120-4 (25.1 overs)
Update: That’s the halfway mark. Zimbabwe were 120-3 in 25 overs with Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams at the crease.
Sean Williams and Brendan Taylor have put on a crucial 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
A cricket fan has urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to organise more fixtures for lower-ranked teams for boosting competition
Update: Zimbabwe are scoring boundaries more frequently since Sean Williams arrived at the crease. They are 100-3 in 20 overs
WICKET: Faheem Ashraf gets his name in the wicket taker’s list as he dismisses Brian Chari caught out for 25.
Zimbabwe: 59-3 (15.4 overs)
Update: Zimbabwe were 58-2 at the end of 15 overs with veteran Brendan Taylor and Brian Chari at the crease.
Sports journalist Mirza Iqbal Baig has questions regarding the team selection of Faheem Ashraf in today’s match.
Since the cricket in Rawalpindi lacks too much action, let’s look at a Shahid Afridi fan, who is still hoping to see the veteran all-rounder return to the national team, roughly 4 years after playing his last match for Pakistan.
Update: The Chevron were batting at scoring rate of 3.90 per over as they were 39-0 at the end of 10 overs.
WICKET: A perfect start to Musa Khan’s ODI career as he cleans up Craig Ervine for three.
Zimbabwe: 27-2 (8.4 overs)
Stats alert regarding Aleem Dar
WICKET: The Chevrons lose their first as captain Chamu Chibhabha departs after nicking one to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan off Haris Rauf’s bowling. He made six off eight deliveries.
Zimbabwe: 18-1 (5.1 overs)
Update: Zimbawe were 18-0 at the end of five overs.
Zilla says he no expectations from the Zimbabwe side in today’s match
Munna believes Musa Khan was brought to international stage at an early stage.
Murad says the hosts should not force fast-bowler Haris Rauf to be a new-ball bowler.
Musa Khan says it has been an honour for him to represent his country.
Haider Ali has said that he wants to start his ODI career on a high just like he did in the T20Is.
St. Aubrun believes paceman Faheem Ashraf and spinner Iftikhar Ahmed will be excluded from the side in the future if they fail to live up to expectation in today’s game.
ESPNcricinfo has an interesting trivia regarding left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi
Record alert: Aleem Dar has set the record for supervising the most number of ODI match as he calls his 210th fixture.
Here are the playing XIs:
Pakistan: Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (captain), Haider Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Iftikhar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Musa Khan.
Zimbabwe: Brian Chari, Chamu Chibhabha (captain), Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor (wicketkeeper), Sean Williams, Wesley Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chisoro, Carl Mumba, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani
Two debutants for Pakistan as batsman Haider Ali and paceman Musa Khan get their caps.
Update: Zimbabwe have won the toss and elected to bat.
There is one change to the Pakistan squad as injured Haris Sohail has been replaced with young batsman Haider Ali
Babar Azam’s side have a 1-0 lead in the three-match following their 26-run win in the series opener on Friday.
Hello and welcome to the live blog of the second Pakistan-Zimbabwe ODI in Rawalpindi
PESHAWAR : The Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP) government has rolled out the Sehat Sahulat card that will facilitate an estimated seven million people in Swat, Malakand, Dir, and Chitral from Sunday.
The program aims to provide Rs1mn insurance to every family in the province by January 2021.
In a tweet, KP Finance and Health Minister Taimur Jhagra announced that by January 31, every domicile holder in the province will be covered under the scheme. He also said Prime Minister Imran Khan will launch the program in Swat on November 6.
“By Jan 31[Insha’Allah], every KP domicile holder will be covered, wherever they live in Pakistan,” the minister wrote on Twitter.
PM Imran had launched the scheme on August 20 under which each family is eligible to receive health coverage of Rs1 million.
Under the first phase, the project will be launched in KP’s Upper Dir, Lower Dir, Malakand, Swat, Upper Chitral, and Lower Chitral districts.
According to The News report, under the second phase, the programme would be extended to Abbottabad, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, and Kohistan districts by November 2020.
In the third phase, it would be extended to Haripur, Swabi, Mardan, Buner, Nowshera, Charsadda, and Peshawar by November 2020.
Under the fourth phase of the plan, the program would be extended to Kohat, Hangu, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, and Tank by January 1, 2021.
LAHORE: No plan to close schools for now despite a slight increase in coronavirus numbers, clarified Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas on Sunday.
Raas said that the Punjab government was keeping a close eye on coronavirus cases in the province’s schools. He said that random testing was being conducted and a slight increase in numbers has been observed.
“Situation being analysed on daily basis. There is NO plan to close Schools as of right now. Please follow SOPs,” he tweeted.
First time since July: Pakistan’s COVID-19 tally crosses 1,000 mark Coronavirus cases in Pakistan have been surging for the past few weeks. On Thursday, the country reported over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases in a day – its highest total since July 29, 2020.
Federal Minister of Planning Asad Umar had expressed concerns on the rising positivity rate. He had said that what happens next depends on how much people adapt to the coronavirus lifestyle and follow the SOPs.
“We are not careful like we aren’t in the past few weeks, then we have India and Iran as examples of the havoc the virus can create,” he had warned while speaking on Geo Pakistan.
Umar said the government’s policy to implement the SOPs instead of a total lockdown has been successful. “Lockdowns have been imposed in many of Islamabad’s streets,” he had said, adding that the government was looking to take preventive measures to control the spread.
“The NCOC is keeping a close eye on the daily situation, If necessary, we are prepared to take strict actions.”
Punjab has imposed 491 “micro smart lockdowns” across the province with 431 in Lahore alone while Sindh Education Minister Saeed Ghani hinted at school closure due to a surge in coronavirus cases.
BEIJING, Nov 1- The award ceremony for the 3rd Silk Road and Young Dreams competition participated by Pakistani youth was held here, Gwadar Pro reported on Sunday.
The works of Pakistani contestants have been highly praised on this platform. A total of 20 Pakistani youth took part in the competition, and 7 of them won prizes. Two prize-winners accepted the exclusive interview of Gwadar Pro.
“I have spent almost three years in China and during this time I achieved things which I wouldn’t have achieved anywhere in the world. China has given me opportunities and support more than my expectations.
Actually it helped me to be the best version of myself and gave me a platform to meet people from all over the world and learn new things on behalf of my country,” said Danish Yaqoob, the first prize winner of the speech competition.
Danish gave a speech at the competition with the theme of ‘The most important thing we have is health’ and got the first prize. He thanked China for giving him an international arena to express his idea.
He said that, “I have seen thousands of Pakistani students studying in China who got scholarships to study various degree programs. China is helping Pakistani students through scholarships, internship programs, business opportunities, Expo events and much more.”
Maaz Ali Nadeem, who won the Most Popular Award in Photography Contest at the Third Silk Road & Young Dreams, said that, “wherever I performed in China, I was warmly appreciated, which boosted my confidence to stand strong and firm on big stages and events.”
“Youth cultural communication will develop a deeper understanding of the two cultures, namely Pakistani and Chinese.
This is extremely vital for mutual economic growth between any two countries. It is our youth that will take over CPEC’s top roles one day and this initiative is solely for the advancement in the life of the youth,” Maaz said.
BEIJING, November 1 (DNA): Recently, the design of Pakistan Binjiasheng Phase III project undertaken by Harbin Electric International (HEI) has entered the sprint stage, procurement has been basically completed, equipment delivery about to enter the peak period, and the on-site construction fully opened.
According to Gwadar Pro on Sunday, the project team is coordinating the design, production, manufacturing supervision, logistics, construction, commissioning and other participating parties to move forward in accordance with the plan.
When completed, the project will provide electricity security for Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city. This is the first F-class Single-Shaft Combined-Cycle Power Plant project of HEI, which fills up blank of Single-Shaft Combined Cycle project performance and plays an important role in developing joint cycle power station market of the company.
Binjiasheng is a typical brownfield project, which involves a large number of old plant interface and transformation work in addition to the new power plant.
HEI contacts other partners to participate in the construction, not only integrates large Chinese SOEs and private enterprises, but also cooperates with foreign companies such as Siemens of Germany and ABB of Switzerland. The temporary transfer of the project is expected to be completed on December 26, 2021.
Following the Binjiasheng Phase II 560MW Combined-Cycle Power Plant project, HEI and KE once again cooperated with Binjiasheng Phase III, which fully reflects the trust and recognition of the owners in the strength of HEI and is a good testimony of the friendship between China and Pakistan.
Jamshoro Project and Binjiasheng Phase III Project are currently two key construction projects of HEI in Pakistan, which are of great significance in alleviating the shortage of power supply in Pakistan.
The Jamshoro project is the latest clean coal-fired project undertaken by Siemens and HEI in Pakistan for the first time under the name of consortium.
At present, the project is making stable progress. The main equipment, such as boilers and steam turbines, has arrived at the site. It is expected to be completed in May 2022.
In 1983, HEI selected Pakistan as its first destination to expand the international market by undertaking the construction of the Pakistan’s Guddu Combined-Cycle Power Plant, which was hailed as the pioneering work of its “going out”.
The 1,180 MW Bhikki Combined-Cycle Power Plant is China’s first H-class Combined-Cycle project with the largest overseas installed capacity, and is the first batch of power plants to adopt this model worldwide.
Similar to this achievement in Pakistan’s heavy gas turbine construction history also includes 1，223 MW Balloki Combined-Cycle Power Plant project.
Relevant personnel of HEI told Gwadar Pro that the Pakistani government always attaches great importance to and supports its epidemic prevention.
A joint prevention mechanism with HEI at the beginning of the outbreak of Covid-19 was established as on-site epidemic prevention facilities, improve personnel awareness and reserve protective materials which have made great contributions to keeping the corona virus out of the project gate.
During the epidemic, project department of HEI donated a total of 2,000 N95 masks, 2,000 pairs of protective gloves, 1,000 protective masks, and 600 protective clothing.
GILGIT : Prime Minister Imran Khan has announced that the federal government took the decision to grant the status of a province to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region.
Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan participated Azadi Parade after reaching Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on the occasion of the National Day celebrations of the region. PM Imran Khan is accompanied by Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda, other ministers and officials during his visit to GB region.
While addressing the ceremony, PM Imran Khan said that the decision for giving provincial status to Gilgit Baltistan (GB) region was taken in accordance with the United Nations (UN) resolutions.
He said that Gilgit scouts had freed the region by sacrificing their lives 73 years ago. The premier said that he will try to celebrate November 1 with the GB citizens every year. Imran Khan paid tribute to the martyrs and Gilgit scouts.
He said that the federal government designed policies to uplift the weak segment and people living below the poverty line.
He added that the tribal areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan and far-flung areas of Sindh were left behind in the journey of the development and the government planned to uplift its citizens by focusing on development projects.
Imran Khan said that a strong military is necessary for Pakistan. He added that the disaster of wars hit Libya, Somalia, Afghanistan and Iraq while many other Muslim nations were facing difficulties. Extremist and anti-Muslim leaders are currently ruling neighbouring India, whereas, not a single government took such steps for increasing brutalities against Kashmiris with the slogan of Hindutva, he added.
“Our security forces are sacrificing their lives almost every week which makes Pakistan a safe country. Enemies have taken full advantage of the wave of terrorism during the last 15 years. [Indian spy] Kulbhushan Jadhav told about getting mission for spreading terror in Karachi and Balochistan.”
He paid tribute to the security forces for thwarting all nefarious plans of the enemies of Pakistan.
The so-called democratic leaders have planned to defame armed forces and judiciary, criticised the premier, adding that those looted the country have joined hands against him. The country would not move ahead until the complete elimination of corruption.
He slammed the opposition leaders, saying that it is impossible to given NRO to dacoits. Law should be the same for powerful and weak, he insisted. While pointing towards the opposition leadership, Khan said that they tried to blackmail him in the name of electoral rigging, economy and legislations for Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan.
“Looters are now talking against the army chief and ISI head. Imran Khan will never forgive these dacoits and I will look after state institutions by myself for the supremacy of law.”
PM Imran Khan is accompanied by Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda, other ministers and officials during his visit to GB region.
PM Imran Khan and GB interim chief minister paid a visit to Yadgar-e-Shuhada and laid floral wreath on the graves at the monument of martyrs.
During his visit, the premier will also review the development work on Diamer Bhasha Dam and visit Astore National Park.
For many Shah Rukh Khan is inspiration while for others, he is a living legend, and for me he is life, therefore on this birthday I have planned to pay him a tribute, as the actor completes yet another milestone, 55 successful years of life.
Shahrukh Khan also known as King Khan reasoning his immense popularity was born to a Muslim family on 2nd November 1965 in Delhi, India. After graduating in economics from Hans Raj College, he pursued master’s degree in mass communication, but sooner he entered in film industry through theatre and television. His first on screen work was of Fauji 1988 and Circus 1989, which earned him immediate recognition. Khan’s breakthrough movie was Deewana 1992, that resulted in turning point of his career.
Khan’s earlier triumph was built upon antihero portrayals and obsessive lover such as Baazigar 1993 and Darr 1993. In both movies he created his own version of villain, the beloved villain! The one which still rhythm in our ears as KKrian and without whose melodies our first love would feel incomplete.
However later he assumed the role of hero and produced blockbusters as Dilwaledulhania le jayenge 1995, Dil to pagalhai 1997,Karan Arjun 1998, and Kuchkuchhotahai 1998. These movies made 90’s a golden era, then Devdas 2002, Kal ho naa ho 2003, Veer Zaara 2004, of which I would say, “Shahrukh taught world what true love is”,in fact the love which only Shahrukh can do. 22 years in prison for the esteem of beloved, breathing his last on the gate of beloved, surprises, flowers and many more.
Moreover, Khan played other roles as well,noteworthy of them was his role as emperor Ashoka in movie Ashoka the Great 2001, My Name Is Khan 2010 in which he embarked on a journey to change people’s perception of Muslim community and the crime drama Raees 2017 as a bootlegger.
To date Shahrukh Khan King of Bollywood have completed 28 years of success in the industry. I would say 28 years of love, compassion and being a reason of smile and sometimes tears of joy and emotions. He has appeared in more than 90 Bollywood films and earned numerous honors and awards, including 15Filmfare Awards and total of almost 300. Along Shahrukh is the only Bollywood actor to receive 3 international doctorates. Moreover, if we see into his personal life Khan’s loving and caring personalitywould be reflected from his works of philanthropy, since he established department for cancer and special Children, Khan also adopted 12 villages since 2012. Further, Shahrukh Khan is the only Indian to get an award from UNESCO for his Charity works.
In conclusion King Khan is one of the most adored and beloved actors of the world and today I thank him for all those years and wish him a very Happy Birthday. May Almighty bless you.
