ISLAMABAD, Oct 03 (DNA): Chairman China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Authority, Lieutenant General (Retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa has said recently inaugurated Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute is a revolutionary
development for post graduates in applied sciences.
In a tweet on Saturday, he said Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to
bring excellence to Pakistan’s higher education, linked to universities
and industry across the globe. DNA
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KARACHI, Oct 03 (DNA): As many as 267 new cases of Coronavirus emerged
when 9,918 tests were conducted raising the tally to 138,050 and three
more patients died lifting the death toll to 2,520.
This was stated by Sindh Chief Minister in a
statement issued from CM House on Saturday.
CM said that 9918 samples were tested which detected 267 new cases
that constituted 2.7 percent current detection rate. He said that so far
1,397,676 samples have been tested against which 138,050 new cases were
diagnosed.
The CM said that three more patients lost their lives while struggling
against the virus lifting the death toll to 2520 that constituted 1.8
percent death rate. He said that overnight 81 more patients recovered
raising the number of patients recovered so far to 130,811 that came to
95 percent recovery rate.
According to currently 4,719 patients are under
treatment, of them 4440 in home isolation, seven at isolation centers
and 272 at different hospitals. The condition of 201 patients is stated
to be critical, including 39 shifted to ventilators.
The chief minister said that out of 267 new cases, 195 have been
detected from Karachi, including 74 from South, 62 East, 30 Central, 11
Malir, nine Korangi and nine West. Hyderabad has 10 cases, Dady six,
Badin five, Larkana and Shaheed Benazirabad three each, Sanghar, Sukkur,
Ghotki, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur two each and Jamshoro one each.
Murad urged people of the province to follow SOPs to save
yourself and your family members from the virus. DNA
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ISLAMABAD, Oct 03 (DNA): The people and caretaker ministers of
Gilgit-Baltistan staged a protest in front of the Islamabad National
Press Club and demanded that Gilgit be given interim constitutional
status.
A large number of people and civil society representatives from
Gilgit-Baltistan took part in the demonstration. The protesters chanted
slogans in support of the government’s decision to make Gilgit-Baltistan
a constitutional province.
On the occasion, the protesters said that the constitutional province is
the right of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and vowed not to tolerate
any obstacle in this process. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan are
grateful to the federal government and the Pakistan Army, they said. DNA
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LONDON: A statue of Harry Potter, flying a Nimbus 2000 broom over the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch, was unveiled on Wednesday in London’s Leicester Square.
The bronze statue, which shows Potter, played by Daniel Radcliffe, is just a few steps from where the film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” had its world film premiere in November 2001.
“Harry Potter is hugely important to literature, theatre and, of course, to film,” said Ros Morgan, chief executive at Heart of London Business Alliance.
“We know there are fans of Harry Potter of all ages all around the world and we look forward to welcoming them to the West End and Leicester Square, whenever that will be.”
Potter joins other film icons including Laurel & Hardy, Mary Poppins, Mr. Bean and Paddington as part of ‘Scenes in the Square’, an interactive film trail in Leicester Square.
Some young fans were enthralled.
“I love Harry Potter and have been posing for photos pretending to play Quidditch with the statue all morning,” said Finn Bruce, aged 10. “I love coming into London and I’m happy Harry is here now too.”
DNA
ISLAMABAD – There is an increasing number of reports indicating Armenia’s irresponsible attempts to exploit journalists, both its own nationals and citizens of third countries in the course of its ongoing military operations against the Republic of Azerbaijan.
It is of particular concern that in some cases while bringing journalists and other media professionals into the theatre of active military operations Armenia, apparently on purpose, does not take necessary measures with a view to clearly distinguishing them from combatants.
This irresponsible behavior of Armenia in itself is a serious violation of its obligation under international humanitarian law, to take all feasible precautions to protect the civilian population and civilian objects under its control against the effects of attacks. In so doing, Armenia put the safety and security of journalists operating in the conflict zone at risk, for the purposes of its anti-Azerbaijan propaganda.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan recalls that under international humanitarian law, and the UN Security Council resolutions 1738 (2006) and 2222(2015), journalists in armed conflicts are classified as civilians, and as such should be afforded the same protection as applicable to civilians, provided that they take no action adversely affecting their status as civilians.
Therefore, it is of crucial importance that all journalists, media professionals and associated personnel to exercise maximum care and avoid any action that would undermine their status as a civilian in the conflict zone.
The Ministry, furthermore, underlines that the above-mentioned UNSC resolutions provide a framework for the journalistic activity and serve as the terms of reference for the media professionals working in and reporting on the situations of armed conflicts. In particular, in these resolutions, the Security Council reaffirms the commitment to the principles of the political independence, sovereign equality and territorial integrity of all States, and respect for the sovereignty of all States and condemns the use of the media to incite violence, genocide, crimes against humanity and other serious violations of international humanitarian law.
Failure by journalists to follow these clear guidelines increases the risks of exploitation of media to foment hatred and tensions and promotes situations created through unlawful use of force against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and accompanied by serious violations of international humanitarian law, thus, contributing to the continuation of occupation of territories and conflicts.
We again call on journalists to avoid visiting the temporarily occupied territories of Azerbaijan, thus not giving an opportunity to Armenia to exploit them, and those who are operating in the occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan to strictly comply with the above-mentioned requirements and refrain from any action undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including through propagating the illegal use of forces by Armenia against Azerbaijan. We strongly urge all those media representatives to strictly follow the rules and regulations of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to the accreditation of foreign journalists in Azerbaijan.
We further call on all relevant inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions to exercise all necessary measures with a view to preventing the exploitation of journalists, media workers and associated personnel by Armenia in its military aggression against Azerbaijan and ensuring that all journalists strictly follow rules and regulations with a view to not adversely affecting their status as civilians.
Tashkent — On 2 October, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev became familiar with the activities of Bakhshi Opera and Art Boarding School in the city of Nukus.
Karakalpakstan is famous for its unique bakhshi school. During the years of independence, opera was also widely developed here. The republic has many folk bakhshi and honored artists of Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan.
The new Bakhshi Opera and Art School serves to continue these good traditions, bringing them to the younger generation. The education institution began operating in September. It is designed for 150 students. Graduates of the 9th grade are admitted here on a competitive basis. 30 boys and girls are studying here. They are taught by renowned masters of arts and qualified teachers.
“The main goal of organizing such schools is a deep study of our history, culture and self-cognition. Bakhshi art is a great tradition of Karakalpak people. We will create all conditions for its development”, the Head of the state said.
At the out-of-schedule session of the Jokargy Kenes of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, special attention was paid to issues of socio-economic development of the region.
Over the past four years, Karakalpakstan has doubled the production due to construction and commissioning of dozens of large textile, pharmaceutical, electrical and other modern industrial enterprises.
The level of centralized drinking water supply increased from 40 to 67 percent as a result of laying water supply networks. 241 educational, healthcare, cultural and sports facilities were built and overhauled.President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Murad Kamalov on his election as Chairman of Jokargy Kenes and wished him success in his responsible position.
“Listening to the concerns of people and solving problems should be the most important activity of a new leader. To do this, you need to be in constant search, work, consulting with people. There are many educated and selfless young people in Karakalpakstan who love the country.
They need to unite and show results”, said the Head of the state.It was noted that measures have been developed for the next 3 years to accelerate the development of all spheres of life in Karakalpakstan. Growth points for each district defined – two specific types of activities that will be intensively developed.
The President noted that in order to further develop all 16 districts, business entities engaged in these types of activities will be exempt from paying land tax, property and turnover taxes for small businesses, and profit tax for individual entrepreneurs for a period of 3 years.In addition, new industrial enterprises in Takhtakupir, Bozatau and Nanay districts that have a low level of development will be granted tax and customs benefits for a period of 3 years.
Ministers and banks were assigned to each district and city to give an impetus to development and accelerated problem solving.Ten priorities for the next 3 years were identified at the meeting.These are accelerated development of districts and mahallas, employment and poverty reduction. Third, implementation of investment projects, and fourth, mitigation of negative impact of the Aral Sea disaster.Full use of the service sector potential has been identified as the fifth priority, while support for agriculture has been identified as the sixth. Housing construction, social infrastructure development, supporting youth and women, and crime prevention have been given corresponding priorities.Detailed instructions were given in all these areas.The President proposed to hold here a Youth Festival next year to familiarize the country’s youth with the life in Karakalpakstan.
The Head of the state has visited the high-rise apartment buildings and the IT Park under construction in Nukus.Two 16-storey blocks with 160 flats are being built on Tatibay Street. The residential area will be completed using modern design and seismic resistance solutions. External walls are multi-layer to ensure the energy efficiency of buildings. The complex will be commissioned in 2021 with apartments ready to move in.The President visited the showroom of the new building and got acquainted with the conditions created in apartments.
An IT Park is being erected next to the complex.This year has been declared in Uzbekistan as the Year of Science, Enlightenment and the Digital Economy Development. At the presentation held for the President on June 8, the Head of the state tasked executives to deliver an environment conducive for digital development in regions, establish branches of Tashkent-based IT Park in Bukhara, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Urgench and Jizzakh.The 16-storey branch under construction in Nukus is intended to be commissioned in 2021.
The President was briefed about plans for training and providing employment for youth in Karakalpakstan in information technology. In the IT Park, programmers will be engaged in promising projects in agriculture, healthcare, public utilities, education, tourism, culture, construction and transport. In addition, a digital technology training center, a coworking center and an e-sports hall will be available to young people.“All innovations taking place in Tashkent should also come to Nukus,” the President insisted. “The times won’t tolerate if we fail to work in a new way!”Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the need for assigning the districts of Tashkent to mahallas of Nukus, improving the lighting systems and streets, increasing the number of trade and service facilities, and expanding conditions for recreation.Thereupon, the President completed his trip to Karakalpakstan.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday asked Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leaders to foil all moves of the opposition aimed at destabilising the government and maligning the army, and devise a legal strategy to bring back Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supreme leader Nawaz Sharif from the United Kingdom.
He issued the directives while presiding over the first meeting of a committee recently formed to counter the narrative of the opposition. The committee comprises federal ministers Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Asad Umar, Fawad Chaudhry, Shafqat Mahmood and Pervez Khattak.
A source privy to the meeting told that the prime minister was committed to bringing back Nawaz Sharif from London and directed the committee members to devise a legal strategy because in the absence of an extradition treaty between Pakistan and the UK, it would become difficult to get the PML-N leader extradited.
A couple of days ago, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Interior and Accountability Shahzad Akbar had told that he had written fresh letters to the British authorities for Mr Sharif’s repatriation, adding that a formal application had also been sent for his extradition. The adviser was of the view that though both countries had no extradition treaty, wanted people could be handed over to each other under special arrangements.
The source said the committee would meet on a daily basis and make day-to-day plans on how to counter the opposition’s moves in parliament, media and on political forums.
The meeting also decided to contact the five ‘rebel’ PML-N members of the Punjab Assembly who had recently met Chief Minister Usman Buzdar without informing the party leadership.
Prime Minister Khan vowed to defeat the opposition’s designs and defend state institutions, including the army. “Enemies of the army are in fact enemies of Pakistan,” the prime minister was quoted as saying.
He said he did not fear the opposition’s campaign against the government, once again ruling out any National Reconciliation Ordinance-like concession. He said it was his mission to expose corrupt politicians. “The opposition leaders have a problem with the army, and that is why their corruption is being traced.”
Mr Khan said Nawaz Sharif and India wanted to weaken the country. “Nawaz Sharif wants to bring people on to the streets while he and his children are sitting in London,” he said, adding that the former prime minister wanted institutions to protect his interests.
Responding to Mr Sharif’s claim that he had been asked by former Inter-Services Intelligence director general Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam to resign, the prime minister wondered: “Why did he [Nawaz Sharif] not take a firm stand then and why did he not speak on that occasion?”
PM meets Punjab, Balochistan CMs
Prime Minister Khan held separate meetings with Chief Ministers Usman Buzdar of Punjab and Jam Kamal Khan Alyani of Balochistan and discussed with them problems facing their provinces as well as development-oriented initiatives.
In another meeting, the prime minister reviewed progress on the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project. It was attended by CM Buzdar, Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority chairman retired Lt Gen Anwar Ali Haider, Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique, Federal Board of Revenue chairman Javed Ghani, the Ravi Urban Development Authority chairman and investors from the construction sector.
Prime Minister Khan said the Ravi riverfront project was aimed at uplifting Lahore city and also meeting its water needs. He said the project would create job opportunities and stir economic activity.
The Punjab chief minister informed the prime minister that the project was being monitored at the highest level and targets had been set for its implementation. He assured the premier that every effort would be made to ensure its timely completion.
Later, a delegation of overseas Pakistanis called on the prime minister and presented him a cheque for Rs10 million for Diamer-Bhasha dam. The delegation comprised Afzal Mehmood, Sheikh Rafiq, Maroof Hussain and Majid Khan.
DNA
Islamabad, OCT 3 – Sardar Masood Khan, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir, in a meeting with Siraj-ul-Haque, Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami, discussed in detail the human rights violations and rapid demographic changes taking place in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The President said that despite the condemnation of India’s moves on 5 August last year, India continues unabated with its plans to colonise and strengthen its illegal occupation of IOJK. He added that not only this, the India government is economically starving the Kashmiris by awarding existing businesses contracts of the Kashmiris to non-State Hindus from all over India; and under dubious historical records and mappings is planning to build thousands of temples all over IOJK. “What took decades under the Balfour declaration is being replicated and implemented in a matter of two-three years in IOJK under the New Domicile Rules. The unique identity of Kashmir is being totally be wiped out and we will have no Kashmir to defend”, he said.
The AJK President on behalf of the Kashmiri thanked the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan and AJK chapters, and other international organisations working under its umbrella like Tahreek-e-Kashmir for engaging masses, organising massive rallies and creating awareness on Kashmir. He said that political mobilisation is a key factor in raising the profile of the Kashmir dispute, in helping stop the illegal settlement of non-State Hindus and the massacre of Kashmiris in IOJK. “Through political and diplomatic efforts, we must transform the Kashmir issue into an international movement, which the global community cannot overlook”, he maintained.
Siraj-ul-Haque reaffirmed the support of the Pakistani people towards the realisation of the right to self-determination of the Kashmiri people. He said that liberating Kashmiris from Indian occupation is our topmost priority and we will continue to advocate and strive for this just cause. He said that in the face of Indian repression and subjugation, the people of IOJK have not shown any signs of giving up and we will not give up on their Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
Both the leaders expressed their commitment to intensify awareness-raising on the Kashmir issue and continue to mobilise support for the cause both nationally and internationally.
