Friday, May 1, 2026
Home Blog Page 3223

PTI prepares for big win in AJ&K

By
admin
-

DNA

ISLAMABAD: According to details released by the Central Media Department, Federal Minister for Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur called on Chief Organizer Saifullah Khan Nyazee at the PTI Central Secretariat, Islamabad, to discuss a comprehensive strategy for the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting it was decided to field the candidates with strong political credentials, public popularity and strong ties with the people.  Both leaders also discussed important issues related to the formation of a high-level parliamentary board to determine the candidates and the strategy in detail to win upcoming elections.

Saifullah Khan Nyazee said on the occasion that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has become the most popular political force in Azad Jammu and Kashmir while the people of the state are rapidly embracing the message of Prime Minister Imran Khan.  A large number of people and political personalities from all over Azad Jammu and Kashmir want to join the party however PTI will only welcome competent, credible, capable and well-respected political figures into the party and will field strong candidates in elections after evaluation from a powerful parliamentary board said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief organizer Saifullah Khan Nyazee.

Nyazee further said that after fielding strong candidates and winning elections, PTI aims to emerge as the sole majority party in elections and form a strong government in Azad Jammu and Kashmir which would be responsible for the welfare and development of the people of Kashmir and become their voice in the world ultimately.

Member Azad Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly and General Secretary PTI Azad Jammu and Kashmir Majid Khan also attended the meeting.

On the other hand, in his special message issued on the occasion of Defense Day, PTI chief organizer Saifullah Khan Nyazee said that September 6 is the testament to the courage and bravery of the nation’s defenders. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) pays tribute to the brave soldiers who have defended the country with their blood.  He said that September 6 was a permanent proof of the nefarious intentions and aims of the cunning enemy against Pakistan however; the coward enemy who crossed the border in the dark of night and set his unclean foot on the soil of Pakistan was forced to lick the dust in the face of passion for martyrdom.

Saifullah said that the enemy, who suffered an extraordinary defeat and disgrace on September 6, 1965, is still on the lookout, and every attack and tactic has the same purpose, from comitting atrocities in occupied Jammu and Kashmir to sowing the seeds of unrest and destabilization in Pakistan through characters like Kulbhushan Yadhav.

Nyazee said that the concept of a Akhand Bharat and Hindutva has overwhelmed the state of India as it poses substantial threat to global security and regional peace.  According to the PTI leader, Pakistan’s defense is stronger than ever and the country is prepared to respond to any attempt of aggression by it’s enemies.

In his special message, Saifullah Khan Nyazee prayed for the security & stability of Pakistan and expressed complete solidarity with the families of the martyrs.

Pakistan summons senior Indian diplomat to register protest

By
admin
-

DNA

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 6 – A senior Indian diplomat was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today to register Pakistan’s strong protest over ceasefire violations by the Indian occupation forces along the Line of Control (LoC) on 5th September 2020, resulting in serious injuries to one innocent civilian.

Due to indiscriminate and unprovoked firing by the Indian occupation forces in Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC, 19 year old Muhammad Tariq s/o Ghulam Hussain, resident of Village Kirni, sustained serious injuries.

The Indian occupation forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have been continuously targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-caliber mortars and automatic weapons. This year, India has committed 2158 ceasefire violations to date, resulting in 17 shahadats and serious injuries to 168 innocent civilians.

Condemning the deplorable targeting of innocent civilians by the Indian occupation forces, it was underscored that such senseless acts are in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, and are also against all established humanitarian norms and professional military conduct. These egregious violations of international law reflect consistent Indian attempts to escalate the situation along the LoC and are a threat to regional peace and security. It was added that by raising tensions along the LoC and the WB, India cannot divert attention from the grave human rights situation in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).

Indian side was called upon to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding, investigate this and other such incidents of deliberate ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB. The Indian side was also urged to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

IEP holds technical session for professional development of engineers

By
admin
-

DNA

ISLAMABAD, SEPT 6 – Institution of Engineers, Pakistan (Rawalpindi-Islamabad Center) held here a technical lecture for graduate engineers on monitoring and evaluation of development projects.

It was aimed at apprising the young engineers about their role and responsibilities for execution of the development projects in accordance with the laid down specifications.

The event was arranged by the Center as part of their continuing professional development program (CPD) for the young engineers.

Engr. Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah, Vice Chancellor Karakorum International University, Gilgit-Baltistan was the resource person who explained in detail about the various aspects of monitoring and evaluation in execution of public sector’s projects.

Engr. Ahmed Shamim, convener of CPD conducted the session and more than fifty engineers attended the lecture. Also present on the occasion were chairman IEP-RIC, Engr. Hafiz M. Ehsan ul Haq Qazi, Secretary IEP-RIC Gp. Capt. ® Engr. Najamuddin and chairman building committee IEP Prof. Dr. Sharif Bhatti.

It was communicated that the monitoring and evaluation could work as powerful accountability mechanism for achieving the stipulated targets of any project.

Engr. Dr. Attaullah, sharing his rich experience and expertise with young engineers emphasized that impact and outcome of the development projects must be kept in view in the execution of projects. Focus of projects’ monitoring must be on quality of work and upholding the required standard.

He also briefed the graduate engineers about the techniques of data’s collection for proper monitoring of the projects. He also told them about the designing and monitoring system and different mode of projects’ execution for achieving the desired results.

Engr. Hafiz M. Ehsan ul Haq Qazi in his concluding remarks called for adopting result-oriented strategy while carrying out monitoring and evaluation of any project.

He announced that IEP (Rawalpindi-Islamabad) Center would continue to regularly hold capacity-building programs for the young engineers.

Palestine: Serbia moving embassy to Jerusalem illegal

By
admin
-

ELGRADE, (DNA) –

The announcement by Serbia to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is contrary to international law and UN resolutions, Palestine’s ambassador to Belgrade said Friday.

Mohammed Nabhan’s remarks came after Washington announced Serbia is committed to moving its embassy.

“That is, as far as it happens, contrary to international law and to
UN resolutions relating to the Palestinian question and to Jerusalem as an occupied city and that it harms the rights of the Palestinian People to exercise its state in all the territories that Israel occupied in 1967 including Jerusalem,” said a statement from the embassy.

Nabhan said the decision would strain relations between the two countries.”There is no doubt that this would harm the traditional friendship between Palestine and Serbia and would not serve this development,” said Nabhan, adding that he is considered a friend to Serbia and the Serbian people and he is hoping friendly Serbia would distance itself from statements form Washington.

Serbian and Kosovar leaders met in a US-sponsored two-day dialogue in Washington where they reached an historic milestone — agreeing to normalize economic ties.

Serbia and Kosovo signed separate agreements with the US in which Serbia agreed to move its embassy to Jerusalem. Kosovo and Israel agreed to normalize relations and establish diplomatic ties. Serbia also agreed to open a commercial office in Jerusalem in September.

CIS, SCO and CSTO Defense Ministries sign five documents

By
admin
-

DUSHANBE, (DNA) – Yesterday, a joint meeting of the defense ministers of the CIS, SCO and CSTO member states was held in Moscow.

The meeting focused on issues relating to the international and regional security, consolidation of efforts to prevent the threat of the outbreak of wars and armed conflicts, and further strengthening the military cooperation.

In the format of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers, five documents were signed, including the draft plan of consultations of representatives of the CSTO member states on foreign policy, security and defense for the second half of 2020 – the first half of 2021, and the draft plan for the joint training of governing bodies and formations of forces and means of the CSTO collective security system for 2021.

Also, the decision of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers on the creation of a working group on electronic warfare, which is responsible for coordinating the interaction of the military command and control bodies of the armed forces of the CSTO member states in this area was also signed.

A protocol decision was made to hold the next meeting of the CSTO Council of Defense Ministers in the fourth quarter of 2020 in Moscow, before the CSTO Collective Security Council meeting.

A joint communiqué was also signed following a joint meeting of the defense ministers of the CIS, SCO and CSTO member states.

Another vessel carrying 65,000 MT wheat reaches Karachi

By
admin
-

KARACHI : Another vessel namely MV Tailwinds carrying 65,000 metric tonnes of wheat from Ukraine reached Karachi and was allowed to be released after qualifying mandatory quarantine inspection.

An inspection team of experts from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) conducted a detail inspection of the imported wheat in light of the requirements of Pakistan’s Import Permit.

Director General DPP Dr Falak Naz supervised the inspection and wheat discharge activities at Karachi port.Federal Secretary for Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR) Omar Hamid Khan contacted the chief secretaries of Sindh and Punjab provinces for seeking their support in unhindered inter-provincial movement of the imported wheat.

The DG DPP, on behalf of the MNFSR secretary, along with wheat Importers had a fruitful meeting with Secretary for Food Department Sindh Laeeq Ahmed, who ensured his full support.

The food minister had been resorting to all options to ensure timely supply of wheat to all regions of the country and to immediately cope with the higher prices of wheat flour.

Resultantly, the wheat prices have been showing a declining trend all over the country as a result of coordinated efforts of all stakeholders in the public and private sectors. The minister had been intending to not only tackle the ongoing wheat price hike issue but also to keep the strategic wheat reserves at required levels.

The third wheat import vessel namely MV Coventry carrying 69,000 metric tonnes wheat will reach Karachi port on September 8. The MNFSR had been regularly supervising all components of wheat import chain and opting for a proactive approach to minimise chances of any kind of delay.

Subsequently, all concerned departments are on board to facilitate wheat import and address the ongoing national issue of wheat price hike. The Prime Minister’s Office is being kept posted on wheat import situation on a daily basis.

Indian troops martyred 237 Kashmiris during 13-month siege in IIOJK

By
admin
-

SRINAGAR : In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Indian troops martyred 237 Kashmiris during last 13-month military siege.

A report released by the Research Section of Kashmir Media Service revealed that unrelenting military siege imposed by Narendra Modi-led fascist Indian government since August 05, 2019, has made the life a hell for the residents of the territory.

Indian troops martyred 237 Kashmiris including five women during the period. It said that most of the victims were killed by the troops in fake encounters during cordon and search operations in the length and breadth of the territory. It said that the killings by the troops during the last 13 months rendered 9 women widowed and 22 children orphaned.
The report maintained that at least 1,482 people were critically injured due to the use of brute force by Indian troops on peaceful demonstrators in the territory.

“The troops damaged over 954 houses and structures and molested or disgraced 89 women and arrested 13,936 persons including aged woman and girls during a cordon and search operations across the occupied territory in the period,” it added.

The report said that the daily life of the Kashmiris has been made miserable since New Delhi illegally abrogated special status of IIOJK on August 05, 2019. The move, it added, was aimed at snatching away the identity of the Kashmiris through changing the Muslim-majority status of the occupied territory into a minority.

“Senior Hurriyat leaders, Syed Ali Gilani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, continued to remain under house detention in Srinagar,” the report added

The report pointed out that Narendra Modi-led fascist regime is engaged in changing the Muslim majority status of the occupied territory. For this purpose, it has granted domicile certificates to thousands of Indians, it added. The report said that Indian plans to change IIOJK demography was aimed at affecting the results in New Delhi’s favour if a plebiscite was held in Jammu and Kashmir at any point of time in future. It said the Kashmiris are committed to resist Indian plans to change demographic composition of the territory.

The report deplored that press freedom is under a constant threat in IIOJK where journalists are detained and harassed. The report pointed out that fascist Modi cannot silence the Kashmiris cry for freedom through the ongoing military siege as they are determined to keep fighting for freedom from Indian yoke.

PPP-PTI cooperation can do wonders for Karachi: President Alvi

By
admin
-

ISLAMABAD : Declaring an Rs1100 billion package for the uplift of Karachi a welcoming move, President Alvi said on Sunday that PPP-PTI cooperation in earnest can do wonders to revamp Karachi.

Taking to Twitter, the president said that the real test for the government will be in implementing its massive Karachi Transformation Plan.

“PPP/PTI cooperation in earnest can do wonders to lift my city out of misery. Now our test will be in implementation. We must understand that it is the people who matter,” he tweeted.Arif Alvi said that Karachi — which was the biggest taxpayer of the country — had been destroyed by the recent spell of rains.

“A good package worth Rs1100B for Karachi & further discussion on needs of rest of Sindh is a welcome response. Rains have devastated Karachi which is biggest taxpayer of the country. Reviving its economy rests on its infrastructure, its roads, water supply, rain drains & sewage,” he tweeted.

Prime Minister Khan had on Saturday evening announced a ‘historic’ Rs1100 billion financial package for the execution of a transformation plan meant to address the city’s chronic issues and meet its developmental requirements.

Briefing media about the Karachi package here at Governor House, he said the federal government is fully aware of the problems being faced by the people of Karachi over the past many years and the PTI government has decided to resolve all perennial issues of the metropolis.

Post COVID-19 Revival Of The Tourism Sector In UAE

By
admin
-

Lt Col Khalid TaimurAkram (Retd)

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has severely damaged the tourism industry across the globe. Many countries that are dependent upon the tourism economy were adversely affected by its catastrophic impacts. According to world estimates, the potential shock has caused approximately a 60-80% decline in international tourism during the period of the pandemic. UAE tourism also bored the brunt of the sharp decline of economic and tourist activities in the UAE. The IMF’s assessment of the real GDP of UAE revealed that the economy of the country has contracted by 3.5% after the outbreak of the Coronavirus. However, despite a grim outlook for the global tourism industry amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, UAE is making every effort to beat predictions of a dangerous decline. The UAE is getting back to normalization and has taken several immediate steps to deal with the growing concerns. The tourism industry and hospitality sector in UAE is reviving and benefitting from a rebound driven by a multi-pronged approach adopted and executed by the authorities.

TourismIndustry

Even though the United Arab Emirates isan oil-producing economy, the tourism industry has established itself as a major amplifier of economic divergence. The tourism industry is the major growth and revenue-generating sector for the entire UAE economy and it has been projected that the travel and tourism industry will contribute about 312.4 billion United Arab Emirati dirham to the UAE’s GDP by the year 2027. Dubai is the top tourism destination in the Middle East and is the fifth most popular tourist destination in the world. Dubai holds up to 66% share of the UAE’s tourism economy, with Abu Dhabi having 16% and Sharjah 10%. To support its growth in the sector the UAE has been spending billions of dollars on infrastructural development and has managed to develop the most advanced infrastructure in the region so far. The collective spending of the United Arab Emirates government on the tourism industry is much higher in ranks than the rest of the world.

Post COVID- 19 Revival of Tourism

As UAE is always prepared to evolve in the face of global challenges, the Emirates are deeming to galvanize their growth and development particularly in the tourism sector, and also maximize the available opportunities once the tourism industry will be fully reopened and embarked on its way to the final stage of its recovery. Despite the tourism industry is facing the worst challenge in modern history due to COVID-19, the UAE can evolve and adopt new strategies to make it a success story.

1

Global Marketing

Along with the implementation of health and safety standards, the UAE tourism department has developed an active and prudent international marketing strategy that involves close coordination with more than 3,000 partners worldwide to drive tourist bookings. A series of digital campaigns were among notable global marketing activities launched to ensure that the emirates must continue to stay the top most favorable tourist destinations. Dubai for instance has launched high impact digital campaigns – two campaigns before its reopening and one campaign have been launched after the city reopened for the international tourists. Dubai Tourism has recently partnered with Google, Microsoft, and Snapchat in marketing projects to attract potential tourists, collaborating in virtual reality experiences that give prospective travelers a preview of the city via mobile device and computer.

The efforts made by the UAE authorities are resulting in UAE becoming one of the most sought-after destinations among tourists looking to travel again after the pandemic. According to a survey by global travel company Kuoni, Dubai is the most searched travel destination for 2021. During another survey by the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index, GDCI in 2019, Dubai was ranked among the world’s top five most visited cities in the world and has been on the list for five consecutive years.

Health and Safety

Dubai’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety in line with international best practices received a strong endorsement from the World Travel and Tourism Council, WTTC, which gave the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp in recognition of the stringent measures taken to combat COVID-19.This improved reputation in the global market and the enhanced reputation of Dubai as one of the safest destinations in the world are key drivers of the increasing momentum for recovery. The UAE has also invested in spreading its message through social media, deploying over 350 influencers to highlight Dubai in 14 different languages. Hotels across the city have offered deals and packages for stay. The current situation has provided a huge opportunity to drive demand for domestic tourism. The UAE authorities are firm to transform their challenges into opportunities to maintain its position at the forefront of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

Hospitality and Airline Industries

The UAE’s hospitality industry is open for business and showing strong signs of recovery after the crippling economic impact of Covid-19. The online room reservations by the international tourists has reached to its highest. According to the recent statistics, the online registration for room booking in Dubai has doubled as compared to the previous month.Apart from the hospitality sector, the airline industry is also a crucial part of the UAE’S tourism industry. International airline bookings are also showing positive signs for the tourism sector. Emirates and Flydubai are facilitating tourism growth in UAE through a wide range of measures designed to instill confidence among travelers and encourage them to make the emirates their destination of choice. Emirates will be operating to a total of 70 destinations across six continents in August, while flydubai is set to expand its network to 66 destinations over the summer.

Besides the standard precautionary measures of social distancing and wearing of masks at all times by guests and employees, Dubai hotels have deployed enhanced disinfection measures across all their facilities, including the fitting of equipment for contactless screening of guests at entrances. Dubai also implemented technologically-integrated advanced safety control measures to avoid any chances of the spread of the novel virus.

How the Tourism can fully Revive

Although UAE has reopened its doors for international tourist the emirates has expressed their commitment to follow certain codes of conduct to ensure the health and safety of the travelers. A wide range of air travel protocols for visitors has further boosted the confidence of tourists. All travelers, including tourists, residents, and citizens arriving in or transiting through the UAE, must follow the following steps;

  1. Passengers must get themselves tested for COVID-19 four days before their travel to the Emirates. They are also expected to sign a deceleration form that they will fully cooperate with the authorities if they contracted the novel virus. All tourists are advised to have travel insurance and they all must download the COVID-19 UAE app. This app is a Ministry of Health’s Official App on Coronavirus management. It provides all the necessary information regarding the real statistics of the pandemic worldwide and within the United Arab Emirates. The app also provides a self-awareness kit and information about COVID-19 Symptoms, how you can prevent yourself from it and what treatments can be adopted to reduce the risk and offer health services and support to the patients.
  2. Upon arrival in UAE, travelers’ have to show their test results or carry out a re-test if required. The test will also be repeated for the tourist who exhibits COVID symptoms. Those who test positive must quarantine for 14 days. Travelers will be asked to quarantine in hotels, at homes, or in the hospitals depending on their choice. The cost of the treatment and isolation must be bored by the tourist.
  3. All UAE hotels are advised to follow strict safety measures. Guests must wear face masks all the time except when in the pool, eating, or exercising. Restaurants have introduced contactless menus and serve diners who will serve you meal while following the safety guidelines as prescribed by the WHO.
  4. The public transports including metros, taxis, and buses in UAE are also back and running. The tourists are allowed to use them for traveling purposes however, they must follow social distancing. Cash transactions must be avoided and passengers must use apps to make payments. Passengers can also book their ride directly through CAREEM APP. the fare will be automatically deducted from passengers’ debit or credit card.
  5. At the restaurant’s tourists are allowed to remove their masks. Restaurants will serve food in single-use cutlery and plates. Restaurants are strictly ordered to place tables 2 meters apart to ensure social distancing. Buffets are open but the food will be served by the staff. Sharing food or touching utensils is forbidden.
  6. All tourist attractions in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now open but with strict guidelines. Water parks are open with 50% capacity. All guests are staff have to undergo thermal check, wear gloves, and face masks all the time. Rides, slides, showers, and locker rooms are also open. Sanitization of all these places is being carried out from time to time to ensure safety and health.

The writer is the Executive Director, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad

Wood wants to lay down Ashes marker against Australia

By
admin
-

England fast bowler Mark Wood hopes to finish a frustrating season with a flourish during an upcoming white-ball series against Australia and lay down a marker ahead of the 2021/22 Ashes.

The Durham quick has been largely surplus to England’s requirements in a home season taking place against the backdrop of the coronavirus.

Wood featured in the first Test against the West Indies at Southampton in July — a match England lost — and hasn’t played international cricket since, failing to earn a recall in the remainder of that series and in England’s three Tests against Pakistan last month.

But with England having completed their Test programme for the season, and no longer having a need to field separate red and white-ball squads, Wood has been selected for a three-match Twenty20 series against Australia at Southampton that starts on Friday and three subsequent one-day internationals against the same opponents later this month.

The 30-year-old said it had been “hard mentally” living in a bio-secure bubble for two months while hardly playing but that he was not the type to go “moaning and groaning” to the selectors.

“You never want to be left out, or the easy drop,” Wood told a conference call on Wednesday.

“It’s not my style to shout and scream. I have a great relationship with (England head coach) Chris Silverwood and I just asked him honestly what I needed to do to get in the team and improve.

“He said he was happy with me but just that I didn’t get selected. I think once you know you are not in the team, you are disappointed but you are very lucky to still be in a squad playing for England.”

– ‘Biggest rivals’ –

Wood was a member of the England side that won the 50-over World Cup last year and he now has a chance to resume his international white-ball career.

“It’s always good when you play for England, don’t get me wrong, but there’s an extra incentive when you play Australia, your biggest rivals,” said Wood, a member of the England side that defeated the Australians in the semi-finals of the World Cup.

“They are desperate to beat you, you are desperate to beat them.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s the Ashes, white ball, T20. We’ll be desperate to beat them.”

Although the formats are different, Wood said bowling well in the upcoming matches could help give him an edge over some of Australia’s Test-match batsmen.

He cited the example of Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who overpowered England’s batsmen in the 2013/14 Ashes series after some strong performances in limited overs matches between the arch-rivals in the previous year.

Wood also referenced the way in which England paceman Stuart Broad had dominated Australia opener David Warner during last year’s Ashes as a case of a bowler establishing a hold over a batsman.

“That example (Johnson against England), everyone still talks about how rapid he was in the one-day series and then you carry that over to the Test matches.

“It’s a very different format, a very different game. But there’ll always be talk about the Broad and Warner situation,” Wood said.

“If you can get the wood over them, and can start the ball rolling with a couple of players here, I’m sure they’ll be thinking about that whatever the format.”

1...3,2223,2233,224...3,969Page 3,223 of 3,969

Stay Connected

64FansLike
60FollowersFollow

Latest Reviews

Exchange Rates

USD - United States Dollar
EUR
1.17
GBP
1.35
AUD
0.71
CAD
0.72

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© Centreline Magazine