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First phase of US-Taliban agreement successfully completed

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JULY 14 – US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad said that US-Taliban has reached day 135, a key milestone in the implementation of Agreement. The US has worked hard for success in the 1st phase of its commitments under the agreement.

In his tweet, Khalilzad added “We have reached Day 135, a key milestone in implementation of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement. The US has worked hard to carry out the 1st phase of its commitments under the Agreement, including to reduce forces & depart five bases.

NATO troops have come down in proportional numbers.” He further added that “There has been major progress, albeit slow, on prisoner releases. The Taliban & the Islamic Republic negotiating teams have made progress on logistics for intra-Afghan talks. No American has lost his/her life in Afghanistan to Taliban violence. Regional relations have improved but more progress is needed on counter-terrorism.”
Furthermore, it is expected that Intra-Afghan talks will take place in Doha this month.

RCCI for accelerating work on CPEC economic zones

DNA

RAWALPINDI, JUL 14 – The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has urged the government to accelerate the process and work on CPEC Special Economic Zones.

President RCCI Saboor Malik on Tuesday in a statement said that the industrial parks would be developed aligned with local available resources.

He said COVI-19 has affected our national economy on many fronts; however, keeping in view the announced package for construction by the Government of Pakistan, there is a big opportunity to kick start trade activities via SEZ. Unemployment can only be addressed if the private sector be given more incentives and engagements, he further added.

SEZ will help Pakistan to improve its GDP, poverty alleviation and unemployment, he added.

The RCCI president said, “We recognize CPEC as a game changer and we urge the government to focus on the 4th part of CPEC plan, which is Industrial Zones Development.” He further said that the CPEC is the flagship project of multi-billion dollar One belt one road (OBOR) and the success of this key mega project will bring the economic revolution in the country and the region.

The joint ventures between Chinese and Pakistani companies will increase the ownership of the key stakeholders, he added. The more we have local ownership in the projects the more it will be successful.

He said Pakistan’s economy offered great potential to Chinese investors for joint ventures and investments. He said CPEC would be mutually beneficial for Pakistan and China and would ensure a level playing field for the businessmen and investors of both countries.

Sadiq meets with UNHCR country head

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JULY 14 – Prime Minister’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador (R) Muhammad Sadiq on Tuesday met with UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan, Noriko Yoshida. Both discuss the issues faced by Afghan refugees.

In his tweet, Sadiq said, “Met UNHCR Pak Head Ms.Yoshida to discuss the complex issues associated with Afghan refugees, including the importance of creating pull factors in Afghanistan.” He further added that “Development of agriculture would employ a significant number of refugees in Afghanistan and also enhance Afghan food security.”

Huawei announces 2020 H1 business results

DNA

Islamabad July 14, 2020:-  Huawei announced its business results for the first half of 2020 today. The company generated CNY454 billion in revenue during this period, a 13.1% increase year-on-year, with a net profit margin of 9.2%.[1] Huawei’s carrier, enterprise, and consumer businesses achieved CNY159.6 billion, CNY36.3 billion, and CNY255.8 billion in revenue, respectively.

As countries around the globe are grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, information and communications technologies (ICT) have become not only a crucial tool for combatting the virus, but also an engine for economic recovery. Huawei reiterated its commitment to working with carriers and industry partners to maintain stable network operations, accelerate digital transformation, and support efforts to contain local outbreaks and reopen local economies.

The complex external environment makes open collaboration and trust in global value chains more important than ever. Huawei has promised to continue fulfilling its obligations to customers and suppliers, and to survive, forge ahead, and contribute to the global digital economy and technological development, no matter what future challenges the company faces.

Sino-Pak coop on cotton germplasm of great pith and moment: Chinese scholar

DNA

BEIJING, JULY 14 – The cooperation between China and Pakistan in the collection and identification of cotton germplasm resources is of great pith and moment,” said Prof. Du Xiongming, Director of Cotton Germplasm Resources Division, Institute of Cotton Research (ICR) of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS).

” For now the two countries have exchanged over 300 cotton germplasm resources, China Economic Net reported on Tuesday quoting Dr. Du.

As per Prof. Du, China and Pakistan have been co-working for many years in the field of collecting and identifying cotton germplasm resources.

ICR has joined hands with Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and some other universities and scientific research institutions to identify cotton germplasms’ resistance to heat, drought, diseases and insect pests in different places and environments, and jointly published scientific research papers on that.

In addition, through the Industry-University-Research (IUR) cooperation, ICR has been devoted to the training of talented Pakistanis in the field of basic cotton research.

Prof. Du’s laboratory has trained 11 Pakistani doctoral students (including 5 graduates), 2 postdocs and 2 visiting scholars so far.

Cotton germplasm resources are the material basis of basic and applied research of cotton. “Pakistan’s Asiatic Cotton (G. arboreum) is different from China’s Gossypium hirsutum Linn in term terms of genetic characteristics.

China’s cotton is known for its high yield, high quality and precocity, while Pakistan’s cotton is famous for its resistance to heat, drought, saline-alkali and Cotton Leaf Curl Virus (CLCV),” noted Prof. Du, who received China’s National Award for Excellence in Innovation in May.

He is of the view that the cooperation between China and Pakistan in the collection and identification of cotton germplasm resources is of great pith and moment.

According to Prof. Du, the prevention and control of many major diseases and insect pests are very much related to the research of germplasm resources. For example, that in Asia and Africa the major disease of cotton is caused by CLCV, and this virus devastated the Pakistan cotton industry in early 1990s where it caused an estimated yield reduction of 30-35%.

If Asiatic Cotton (G. arboreum)’s genetic characteristics of resistance to CLCV can be transferred into Gossypium hirsutum Linn. via distant hybridization, the problem caused by CLCV that has troubled Pakistani cotton farmers for many years will be solved.

Being in the industry for over 30 years, Du has published 39 SCI papers in the journal Nature Genetics as the first or corresponding author. “Compared with Pakistan, China’s germplasm resources research is more comprehensive and systematic, and has advanced from phenotypic identification to genotypic identification,” he mentioned. ad

The ICR will further deepen cooperation with Pakistan in the field of cotton germplasm resources and breeding, so as to promote the development of the cotton industry and personnel training for both countries, he added.

UVAS syndicate approves Rs.2.398 billion budget

DNA

LAHORE: JUL 14 -The Syndicate of University of Veterinary and Animal Science Lahore approved Rs.2.398 billion budget for the financial year 2020-21 with focus on innovation, applied research, development, improving facilities for quality of education, services and transfer of technology.

Chairing the 63rd Syndicate meeting, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad said that focus is on applied research and development projects for further improving the quality of education, research and services at the university. The value of the ongoing 121 research projects is Rs.1.491 billion.

Prof Nasim Ahmad told the meeting that a hefty amount of Rs.564.710 million has been allocated for development projects. Of the total development allocation, Rs 414.710 million will be spent on ongoing projects while Rs.150 million on new projects to be initiated in the financial year 2020-21.

A project “Livestock Sector Development through Capacity Building Allied Research and Technology Transfer University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)” is under process at the Higher Education Commission for funding.

Among the ongoing projects, the Vice-Chancellor said that Rs.200 million have been allocated for “Enhancement of Research Facilities at UVAS Ravi Campus Pattoki”, Rs.156 million for “Establishment of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Bahawalpur”, Rs.24.723 million for “Establishment of Training Centre for Biologics at UVAS Ravi Campus Pattoki”, Rs.18.2 million for “In-service Training Facilities of  Advanced Veterinary Education and Professional Development for Veterinary Professionals”, Rs.15.8 million for “Feasibility Study for the Establishment of Center for Advanced Reproductive Technology in Livestock”.

Earlier, presenting the budget before the Syndicate, Treasurer Mr Muhammad Umar said that the university expects non-development income of Rs.1.791 billion from different sources during the year 2020-21 while non-development expenditure is expected at Rs.1.983 billion, so there is a deficit of Rs.191.544 million.

The Vice-Chancellor said that Rs.880.278 million is expected to be generated by the university from its own sources. About the deficit, he said the university will try to meet the budget deficit by generating more income from its own resources, by increasing its research-based products and diagnostic and clinical services for stakeholders. Special austerity measures will also be adopted to limit the recurring expenditure within available funds, he added.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor briefed the syndicate members on various academic, research training, online telemedicine services, online teaching & exams during COVID-19 and university development projects, etc. Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad also lauded the role of budget staff of the UVAS Treasurer’s Office for preparing the budget.

Telenor business launches smart office solution for corporate customers to capitalize on opportunities

DNA

ISLAMABAD – 14 July 2020: Being a frontrunner in providing state of the art solutions, Telenor Business has launched Smart Office Solution for its corporate customers. This solution aims to help the businesses make the most of an opportunity that comes with each call by effectively catering to customer requirements and providing an interface for effective performance management.

With businesses communicating increasingly over calls, especially with their customers, Telenor Smart Office aims to develop a positive relationship between them, one that is nurtured by ease of access, systematic synchronization and analytics for quality control. This solution is for enterprises across industries from public sector to privately owned pharmaceuticals, restaurants and many more. Using this service, Telenor Pakistan’s Business customers can use the same mobile line for their business and personal use. Telenor Smart Office also gives access to a user-friendly web portal that provides real-time monitoring for quality control and to extract valuable business insights which can also be accessed through mobile phone.

“Every call brings a new opportunity and with Telenor Smart Office, we aim to help businesses grab every opportunity by having their calls answered and routed by a virtual receptionist”, said Ghulam Husnain Nasir, National Director B2B Sales and Service at Telenor Pakistan. “We understand and know how to keep the customers at the core of business operations and aim to provide solutions to our corporate customers that enables them to grow while capitalizing on all opportunities. Being at the hub of technological transformation, we are committed to continue offering the best of our services and ensure increased ease for businesses and customers. ”

Telenor Pakistan has taken leaps towards establishing the foundation to support future needs of businesses and provide effective solutions that support them to operate, collaborate and connect more effectively with their customers and stakeholders. Through these innovative business solutions, Telenor Business aims to provide its customers with a peace of mind, while helping them grow their businesses.

To know more about Telenor Smart Office, please visit: www.telenor.com.pk/business-solutions/telenor-smart-office

URGENT: 80% of COVID-19 patients have recovered

DUSHANBE, JULY 14  – There are 44 new COVID-19 cases today. The total number of infected individuals is now 6,595. The number of those who could not recover remains unchanged at 55 individuals, reports the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population.

Of the infected group, 5,278 individuals or 80% have recovered.

So far, 184 people suspected of having the virus have undergone medical supervision. Of those 50 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours.

Today, more than 7,500 doctors and 25,000 nurses are involved in the treatment of patients in 85 hospitals throughout the country.

The government and the Health Ministry urge caution while at work and in public places.

The Health Ministry advises all the residents to strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene, wear protective masks, keep a distance of at least 1.5 meters between one another, and in case of onset of symptoms to immediately consult a family doctor or call the hotlines (311 or 511) to consult with a specialist.

Envoy for creating trilateral trade bloc of Pak, Hungary and Turkey

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JUL 14 – The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA) to promote trade links through exchanges of business delegations to nurture closer understanding between Pakistan and Hungary.

The All Pakistan Business Forum president Syed Maaz Mahmood inked the MoU on behalf of his association while HEPA CEO Balázs Hendrich represented his agency. The APBF office-bearers who witnessed the signing ceremony included Khurram Niaz Khan, Amir Munir Malik, Amir Barry while Hungarian embassy officials consisted of Ambassador István Szabó, Deputy Head of Mission Tivadar Takács and Dr. István Grafjódi.

APBF president Syed Maaz Mahmood, addressing the ceremony, said the Forum will extend full cooperation and support to strengthen trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Hungary. He said that the Forum through the Hungarian Embassy will arrange B2B meetings, conducting business delegation visits for sector specific match-making and interaction between development initiatives and the stakeholders.

He said that APBF is striving to bring business leaders, chambers and trade associations on a united platform to endeavor for a Pakistan with sustainable growth.

On this occasion, Ambassador of Hungary István Szabó called for creating a trilateral trade bloc of Pakistan, Hungary and Turkey with a view to eliminate barriers to investment among these nations, besides exploiting huge trade potential. He appreciated the efforts of APBF to promote bilateral trade and joint ventures between business community of Pakistan and Hungary. He said that the serious and result oriented work of APBF convinced him to get HEPA engaged with APBF to bring the business communities of the two countries closer.

Both sides agreed to boost bilateral trade and investment through proactive approach and improved engagement.

He said that the Embassy of Hungary in Islamabad has been working on strengthening economic ties with Pakistan and the two countries also signed an Economic Cooperation Agreement in 2017, which laid down the framework of the further cooperation. Based on that, organizing the first session of Joint Economic Commission in the Hungary in Sept 2019 was another milestone of the deepening relations.

He said that the Hungarian Embassy in cooperation with the Pakistan Ministry of Commerce and All Pakistan Business Forum was going to organize a bilateral Business Forum in Lahore but it was postponed due to coronavirus.

Today is another significant event of the economic relations, which shows the two countries commitment to each other. The purpose of the Protocol amending the Tax Convention is to improve the bilateral exchange mechanism of information in accordance with international standards. The Hungarian Embassy does hope that the next step could be the signature of the Agreement for Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of investments.

The Ambassador said that this treaty would have utmost importance for the Pakistani subsidiary of the Hungarian MOL Group, which employs 400 Pakistanis, provides 14% of the country’s electricity need and it is among the 50 largest taxpayers in Pakistan. Since MOL Pakistan was founded in 1999, it has proved its commitment to the people of Pakistan through various welfare activities.

As the Hungarian government is convinced that the best investment is education, it offers yearly 200 scholarships for Pakistani students, which shows Hungary long-term commitment to Pakistan.

PNCA remembered Sabiha Khanam

DNA

ISLAMABAD, JULY 14 –  Sabiha Khanum first lady of the silver screen of her time was paid glowing tribute in an online session arranged by Pakistan National Council of the Arts to recognize her services and contribution towards film industry.

Sabiha who passed at the age 85 in United States last month started her career as a stage artist and soon joined silver screen. Her pair with Santosh Kumar resulted in some of the most memorable films like Ghulam (1953), Gumnam (1954), Qatil (1955), and Sarfarosh (1956). Both the artists became so close to the extent of marriage and became the most adored, romantic couple of film industry.

Her acting, accent, both in Urdu & Punjabi was excellent beyond description. She also holds the credit of making some songs immortal by her unforgettable acting like Payal mein geet hain cham cham key’, ‘Wasta e rab da’ and Ulfat ki nai manzil’.

She also sang two national songs ‘Sohni Dharti’ and ‘Jug Jug Jeeye’, popularity of which never declined. The online session in her honor was aimed to pay tribute to the legendary artist and to enlighten the young generation about the contribution of our iconic heroes, heritage and virsa. Besides her family from U.S.A, a large number of experts, writers, intellectuals and her fans expressed their views on her life art and contribution to the film industry.

Sabiha and Santosh were first star couple that had the large fan following in Pakistan, they ruled the decade of fifty’s in film industry and continued their popularity till mid sixty’s when they gradually shifted to character acting said by Dr Fouzia Saeed Dg PNCA how hosted the program.

Honorable speakers were her daughter Fareeha Seheyar, granddaughter Sarish Khan ,Ms Zareen Panna, legendry film actor Mr Mustafa Qureshi, Mr Aijaz Gul,Mr Syed Noor (Film producer ), Mr Khawaja Najam (Music producer PTV ), Mr Amin Iqbal (Film producer ) followed by messages of legendry film star Mr Nadeem Baig,  Ms Nishu, Iconic film actress of present time Ms Reema and renowned film journalist Mr Asif Noorani .

All the presenters remembered her and stated that she was a phenomenal actress and a wonderful human being. They recalled many golden memories. Her daughter said that ‘To the world, she was a legend, an actress from the golden age of movies who lived well into her golden years, a humanitarian whose commitment to justice and the causes she believed in set a standard for all of us to aspire . All her colleagues and juniors reminisced her professionalism, sense of humor, work ethics and kindness. She was truly an inspiration Her acting, accent (both in Urdu and Pnjabi), expressions and body language were excellent beyond description. Remembering her last days her daughter and granddaughter stated that She was recipient of pride of performance award in 1986. She received many awards for her best performance in Hassan Tariq’s film Aik Gunah or Sahi in 1975. Her successful family life is also role model for young generation. Her popular films include Beli, Ghulam, Gumnam, Sassi, Qatil, Hameeda, Sarfrosh, Ishq-e-Laila, Mukhra, Naji, Mosiqar, Daaman, Kaneezand Sawal. She also won Nigar Award for films Saat Lakh-1955, Shikwa-1963, Dewar Bhabi-1967, Sangdil-1981/82 and Eik Gunah Aur Sahi-1975.

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