KARACHI: The Pakistan Railways (PR) has decided to run four additional trains during Eidul Adha holidays to facilitate passengers. According to the scheduled issued by the PR, the first special train will leave from Cantt. Station Karachi to Rawalpindi via Faisalabad and Sargodha on July 28.

Second train will leave on July 29 to Lahore via Multan and Faisalabad on July 30.The fourth and final train will leave on the same day for Multan from Karachi.

It is pertinent here to mention that the Pakistan Railways has not yet fully resumed its train operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Earlier, the Federal government had announced a three-day official holiday in the country on the occasion of Eid ul Azha.

The federal government has announced holidays on the first three days of the Eid ul Azha including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced fewer holidays on the festive occasion, keeping in view the lockdown situation in the country that has already caused suffering for the daily-wage workers and labour class besides inflicting losses to other businesses.

DNA

ISLAMABAD, July 25 – Islamabad Sihala Police on Saturday arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in gas meter stealing from various areas in the city and recovered over 76 domestic gas meters.

According to police spokesman the team constituted under the directions of Superintendent of Police (Rural) Malik Naeem Iqbal accomplished the task successfully.

During the preliminary investigation, it was revealed that, the accused, namely, Tariq Aziz and Hassan Ahmed, were used to sell the stolen meters in the junkyard.

Cases have been registered against the nabbed and further investigation was underway, the spokesman added.

ISLAMABAD, JULY 25 (DNA) – Speaking to the participants of a national webinar on “Harnessing Sustainable Tourism Potential in the New Normal” experts and the civil society representatives urged the federal and provincial governments to develop monitoring mechanisms for the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) before opening the tourism sector.

We shall learn lessons from the previously opened sectors such as construction, trade centres and shops, and mosques where implementation of SOPs was hardly seen. Same or worse could be the case of opening the tourists’ destinations to what the recreation-starved mob is waiting for.

They said the opening of the tourism sector is imperative to contribute to revive the economy from grassroots level to the national. SOPs should be laid down for a well-monitored limited opening of the sector as a test case. Awareness raising on the new normal shall be the top priority while the SOPs monitoring should be done by the teams comprising officials of the district governments, police and civil society reps. Violators shall be punished strictly.

The national webinar was organized by the Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) and DTNTV on Saturday. It was hosted and conducted by Devcom-Pakistan Director Munir Ahmed.

Senator Mushahid in a statement said that we need to think about off the cuff strategies to attract international tourism. Our wonderful desserts, marines and coastal parts and high mountains could play centre of attraction. But unfortunately we cannot learn towards their recreational needs.

He however urged the need to have communities’ engagement in the implementation of SOPs after the tourism sector is opened.

Devcom-Pakistan Director said the implementation of SOPs would play a pivotal role in sustaining tourism in the coming days. So, all the stakeholders in hospitality and tourism operations should ensure complete compliance of the instructions without any ifs and buts. Thousands of lives would be at risk if the government and WHO SOPs are not followed and it would also hamper the economic activities engaged in the tourism business and local services.

Aftab Rana said: Sustainable tourism refers to a broad range of tourism ventures that take into account ideas of sustainable development. Importantly, sustainable tourism development is supply driven rather than demand driven with consideration given to social, economic and environmental factors.

Rana said Covid-19 has severely impacted on the economic side of tourism but it has also created an opportunity for the stakeholders of this industry to sit back for a while and think about the past mistakes and readjust strategies and plans to guard against past mistakes, and seriously consider to promote responsible tourism.

Kiran Afzal said in the times of COVID-19, the tourism industry has taken an unprecedented hit across the global with several industry stakeholders declaring this as the ‘first one affected and the last one to recover’. The research bodies have revised their initial ‘tourism receipts damages’ estimates from US$400 billion to a whopping US$900 billion. The World Bank’s own estimates confirm that South Asia is on its way to losing 10 million jobs in tourism and related sectors.

She said it is important for Pakistan to follow the relevant global practices including planning tourism bubbles; regulating tourist numbers; creating SOPs awareness in the visitors, communities, workers and local authorities and enforcing strict health safety regime for all who are at the risk of being exposed due to resumption of domestic travel. SMEs should be provided training for adapting to the new normal and repurposing the product and service lines to the extent possible. Public private partnerships will help the sector recover faster and develop resilience to future external shocks.

Shaaref Munir presented a ‘safe hospitality model’ from Istanbul (Turkey) and described in detail many aspects of how the Turkish tourism and hospitality sector is taking care of social distancing, and other preemptive measures. “It is the social awareness and professional approaches that are leading the Turkish safe hospitality practices to a success by reducing the risk factor”, he added.

Fayyaz Sheikh said all the government SOPs would be implemented in letter and spirit by the special teams formed to monitor the hotels and tour operations once the tourism sector is opened. We are having an active role of the private sector in the tourism sector management that would ensure all the SOPs followed in the better monetary benefits of their own.

Cdr Akhtar said Pakistan has immense opportunities for the maritime tourism that is untapped for unknown reasons. Plans and strategies are made but never implemented in letter and spirit. This sector also needs marketing and projection strategies for national and international tourists.

Dr Nilofar Jamil said Balochistan is the most neglected province. Many tourist destinations remain unexposed.

Ayesha Khan said the Hashoo Foundation has developed several community based projects that engages women and poor communities and tourism management and cultural dissemination.

Muhammad Iqbal said Gilgit-Baltistsan is very safe and the people are very hospitable. There is no risk of and security. He said the locals would implement the SOPs in letter and spirit. He urged to open the tourism sector as soon as possible.

Meraj Hamayun Khan said the women of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa could be engaged in many ways in the tourism promotion, guest reservations, digital communication, and housekeeping, but unfortunately never employed because of the stereotypes. KP should change its behavior towards women employment.DNA

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LAHORE, JULY 25 (DNA) – The Ministry of Power Division on Saturday announced that there would be no load-shedding and load-management during the Eid-ul-Azha holidays across the country, media reported.

The spokesperson of the power division said a monitoring center has been set up in Islamabad to ensure the timely supply of electricity. All power distribution companies have been informed of the government’s decision and directed to provide data of power demand and supply situation, the spokesperson said.

Earlier, the Federal government had announced a three-day official holiday in the country on the occasion of Eid ul Azha. The federal government has announced holidays on the first three days of the Eid ul Azha including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

According to sources, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced fewer holidays on the festive occasion, keeping in view the lockdown situation in the country that has already caused suffering for the daily-wage workers and labour class besides inflicting losses to other businesses.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had also appealed to the masses to celebrate upcoming Eid ul Azha with simplicity and not to be careless and brush aside the government-defined health guidelines to keep coronavirus at bay. =DNA

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DNA

ISLAMABAD: The All-China Youth Federation has requested the government of Pakistan to share operational details of the Prime Minister’s Corona Relief Tiger Force (CRTF).

The CRTF, formed on instruction of Prime Minister Imran Khan, has started receiving international acclaim and being hailed for its business model.

In a letter penned by All-China Youth Federation to the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs Muhammad Usman Dar, it is requested to share the operational details of the force.

“We are informed that in a recent month, Usman Dar has been leading a campaign called ‘Tiger Force’, promoting the engagement of the youth voluntaries of all the country to fighting against the pandemic.

The Chinese Youth are very interested in it and hope to learn from it in order to enhance voluntary service targeting to the pandemic fighting and economy recovery,” read the letter, forwarded by the Chinese youth federation.

Commenting on the development, SAPM Usman Dar said he would consult the prime minister before responding the All-China Youth Federation’s request. He said the decision to form the tiger force was taken on the basis of ground situation. It was a visionary decision, he added.

The CRTF was announced in March after the coronavirus pandemic broke out in the country. Initially, it was assigned a task of assisting the local administrations in carrying out rescue and relief activities across the country.

Later, additional tasks were added to their duties including tree plantation drive, locusts’ surveillance and other services that required more human resource. =DNA

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DNA

ISLAMABAD, July 25 : Islamabad Police have arrested 10 outlaws and recovered stolen motorbikes, wine, weapons and dagger from their possession, a police spokesman said.According to details, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Islamabad Aamir Zulfiqar Khan ordered crackdown against criminal elements.

Following these orders, DIG (Operations) Waqar-Ud-Din has directed all zonal officers to accelerate their efforts to curb the crime in the city.Following these directions SP (Sadder-Zone) Sarfraz Ahmed Virk constituted police team under supervision of DSP Khalid Mehmood including SHO Tarnol  Arshad Ali , ASI Saqib along with other officials who successfully arrest two members of bike lifter gang. Case has been registered against them and further investigation is underway from them. Similarly, Shalimar and Karachi company police apprehended two bootleggers including a foreigner namely Prince kaluri and Raheel Pitres and recovered 50 liters alcohol and 40 tin beer from their possession. 

Further-more Shahzad Town police arrested two bike lifters namely Farzand and Adeel and recovered stolen motorbike from their possession. Koral police team arrested accused Muhammad Akhtar and recovered one 30 bore pistol along with ammunition from him. Sabzi Mandi  police arrested  three accused namely Dolat Khan , Kamran and Gul Naeem resident of Afghanistan, The federal capital  police also recovered two pistols along with ammunition  and dagger from their possession. Cases have been registered against them and further investigation is underway from them. DIG (Operations) Waqar Uddin has appreciated this overall performance and directed all police officials to ensure effective policing measures in their respective areas.

DNA

Islamabad, July 25 : Pakistani Telecom brand, Ufone, added another feather in its cap by winning two prestigious Effie Awards last night. Ufone won a Gold award for Best in Internet & Telecom category for its SuperCard campaign Budget bamuqabla befikri and a Bronze award in Best and Internet & Telecom for Balochistan Football Cup 2019.

The Budget bamuqabla befikri campaign highlighted how despite the rising inflation in 2019, Ufone maintained a steady price for its Super Card. The second award won was for the Balochistan Football Cup 2019 which provided a substantial platform to emerging footballers of the region to showcase their talent. Both campaigns were recognized by the jury for the positive impact they created

The award reflects the company’s diverse and innovative marketing strategies, which have won the hearts of millions. The brand has also won two Eventex Global Awards in Gold categories for Ufone Balochistan Football Cup this year. Amongst 444 entries from 39 countries, the Pakistani telecom brand emerged as the winner in two categories i.e. People’s Choice Award and Best CSR Event Award.

The Effie Awards are one of the most prestigious awards of the country which bring forward most significant achievements in marketing communications. It celebrates ideas that work and encourage thoughtful dialogue. Success of Pakistani telecom operator, Ufone, at the Effie Awards signifies the growing impact of the brand and its commitment to work on ideas which benefit the common man.

TURBAT, One Pakistan army soldier embraced martyrdom while three further suffered injuries when terrorists opened fire on them in Kech district of Balochistan.

In a statement on Saturday, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the security forces were on routine patrolling near the Pidarak area of Kech district, approximately 35 kilometers South East of Turbat, when terrorists fired on them.

In the subsequent exchange of fire, Lance Naik Javed Karim embraced shahadat (martyrdom) while three soldiers got injured.

The ISPR said that the security forces cordoned off the area for search of terrorists.

DNA

Karachi, July 25– Organized by the Pakistan Advertisers Society (PAS), the second Effie Awards Pakistan was held on July 24, 2020, however, this time it was all VIRTUAL, produced and broadcasted by SAMAA TV, presented by Shan Foods, insured by Jubilee Life, with Coca-Cola being the official beverage partner and Lipton sponsoring the lounge. The event went live on Facebook and Youtube.

Effie Awards Pakistan, part of a global network of Effie Worldwide, rewards and celebrates effective marketing efforts. It is one of the most prestigious marketing and advertising award programme of Pakistan in which small and large organisations participate from across the country. Judged by a panel of industry experts as well as senior professionals, local and international, each campaign goes through a series of reviews across a variety of metrics with the intention to identify the most effective campaigns, which then culminates at the awards night where the winners are announced.

On the occasion, Qamar Abbas, Executive Director of PAS said; “The virtual Effie Awards Pakistan 2020 gala night is a first-of-its-kind virtual show not just in the industry but across the country and we hope to set a new standard for what award shows can achieve. Being the first Effie program globally to host the awards virtually, we are pushing the envelope with this event and plan to leave no stone unturned in creating a unique and fulfilling experience for both our participants and our audience.”

This year, the Effies featured 14 products/services categories and 11 specialty categories. From these a total of 14 Bronze winners, 16 Silver, and 12 Gold were awarded from over 215 campaigns to clients and agencies across various categories. The Grand Effie was awarded to Roshni Helpline Trust “Truck Art Child Finder” campaign developed by BBDO Pakistan. “Ogilvy Pakistan” was awarded the Effie Pakistan 2020 Agency Network of the Year and “Telenor Pakistan” was awarded the Effie Pakistan Marketer of the Year.

Mr. Asif Aziz, Chairman PAS welcoming everyone on the occasion said “who could have believed or imagine just six months ago that we would be doing a virtual award show, but these are the times that prove to go that adaptability is the most unique quality that humans have”. Adding further he said “PAS exists for the industry and Effie Pakistan is an opportunity to shine further and raise our standard of communication and showcase it to the world. So, let’s celebrate the talent and good work and continue to strive for excellence”.

The most coveted PAS Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Khawar Masud Butt, Chairman, English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) for his leadership and vision that led to the creation of one of biggest Pakistani brand and his contribution towards the advertising industry that is a source of inspiration for up and coming professionals and entrepreneurs.

Thousands of people watched the show live from their home. This time it not only brought together the entire marketing, advertising and media fraternity, but also reached out the general public. Industry stalwarts like Asif Aziz, Chairman, PAS and COO JAZZ, Dr. Zeelaf Munir, President and CEO, EBM, Sikandar Sultan, Chairman, Shan Foods, Tariq Ikran, Jury Chair, Usman Qaiser, Head of Marketing and Brand Management, Jubilee Life Insurance, were some of the presenters that handed the trophies to the lucky winners. In addition, international advertising and marketing super stars like Rory Sutherland, Chairman, Ogilvy UK, Cindy Gallop, Bob Hoffman, dubbed as the most provocative man in advertising, Traci Alford, President Effie Worldwide, Stephan Leorke, CEO, World Federation of Advertisers and Faria Yaqob, CEO of Steal Genius also attended the show, shared their views and presented some awards.

The show was hosted by the famous RJ and actor Khalid Malik and the red carpet was hosted by Atiya Zaidi, Executive Creative Director, BBO. The show featured a special segment Ali vs. Aly that talked about the campaigns in the run and industry trends and kept the viewers entertained and engaged with their bantering.

This year Kantar Group partnered for the jury sessions, Jang Media Group was the Print Media Partner, Digitz was the Digital/Creative Partner, Espresso, Jaferjees, Paramount Books, Aztec Chocolates were the gift partners. MindMap was the digital partner, BrandSynario was the online publication partner and FMOne91 was the radio partner.

The night ended at a high note with lots of cheers and celebrations from teams participating across the country.