ISLAMABAD: Smart lockdown strategy yielding positive results in Islamabad bringing the tally of novel coronavirus cases down by 90 percent in the capital city.
Islamabad administration in a notification today announced end of smart lockdown in three areas of the federal capital.
The authorities have de-sealed Sector G-VI-I, G-VI-II and G-VII-II today after positive impact of the lockdown.
“These areas are being de-sealed after decline in number of cases,” Deputy Commissioner of the capital Hamza Shafqaat said.
Strict implementation of SOPs by the administration have yielded positive results in tackling COVID-19 cases in the federal capital.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Islamabad administration in end days of June de-sealed two sub-sectors of Sector G-9 and Karachi Company commercial area, which had been sealed after a sharp increase in coronavirus cases.
As per a notification issued by the Islamabad administration late on Saturday, the sub-sectors including G-9/2 and G-9/3 and Karachi Company will be unsealed on June 28.
Smart lockdown is being lifted from the localities after a detailed survey, ground surveillance, and testing of suspected patients, a notification read.
However, the de-sealed areas will remain under strict supervision and section 144 would remain enforced there, it added.
KARACHI: TPL Trakker, Pakistan’s leading IoT Company, has partnered with Telenor Pakistan, country’s leading telecom and digital services provider, to offer Location Based Services (LBS). TPL Trakker powers the technology via TPL Maps, the company’s mapping arm and Pakistan’s first digital mapping service licensed by the Survey of Pakistan.
Using LBS, Telenor Pakistan will make use of the most detailed and localized location dataset ever offered in Pakistan. Following the partnership, Telenor Pakistan will have access to data covering 600,000 km of road network, 3 million points of interest (POIs), which will enable the telecom operator to offer tailored products and solutions for B2B customers as per their needs.
The move is in line with TPL Trakker’s vision to create value for different industry verticals through digital transformation, enhancing connectivity between people, mobile assets and businesses. This will pave the way for Mobile Network Operators to venture into diverse location-centric solutions adding to the rising popularity of TPL’s cutting edge mapping and automation API solutions for apps.
Speaking on the collaboration, Sarwar Ali Khan, CEO, TPL Trakker said, “TPL has developed indigenous Location Based Services to fuel the rapid growth of technology companies in Pakistan. Mobile Network Operators are ingrained in the national economy and they rely heavily on cutting-edge location data and services. We expect closer collaboration with each player for our Location Based Services as we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with one of Pakistan’s leading Mobile Network Operators.”
With a plan to accelerate the growth of the telecommunication services industry, the two companies will create a modern, value-driven and globally competitive Pakistan.
KARACHI: Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) & Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli and President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Agha Shahab Ahmed Khan have appealed Prime Minister Imran Khan to immediately intervene and take strictest notice of the widespread protests and sit-ins being carried out by every single citizen of Karachi and all the political parties even PTI MNAs/ MPAs who have been strongly protesting against K-Electric (KE) as the utility service provider continues to carry out intense load shedding all over Karachi whereas the Federal Minister for Energy Omar Ayub Khan, while totally disowning Karachi, says KE’s electricity issue is not his responsibility which is a really worrisome statement hence the PM must take immediate notice.
If PTI-led government fails to act against KE then, the entire business & industrial community of Karachi would like to request the honorable Supreme Court of Pakistan to please intervene in this serious matter by taking sou motu notice in order to provide relief to the perturbed citizens of Karachi who have been going through awful situation caused not only by KE but also by federal and provincial governments who are equally responsible for their inability to ensure relief to Karachi. It is really unfortunate that nobody owns Karachi but everybody wants to squeeze 70 percent revenue from this city to run the entire country, Siraj Teli and Agha Shahab added in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Although all the political parties have been protesting against KE but strangely, PTI MNAs have also joined the fleet by holding press conferences and sit-ins against KE whereas they are in power and KE comes under federal government’s purview yet they have been strongly criticizing Omar Ayub Khan for his powerlessness to deal with this issue which is beyond our imagination, Chairman BMG and President KCCI said while referring to strong remarks given by MNA Aamir Liaquat Hussain against Energy Minister Omar Ayub Khan and President Dr. Arif Alvi.
They were of the opinion that Prime Minister Imran Khan must put aside all his other engagements and visit Karachi at the earliest to hold a meeting in which all the stakeholders, particularly representatives of the business & industrial community who are the biggest stakeholders, must be invited so that the load shedding issue could be amicably resolved.
Siraj Teli said, “Karachi city, despite contributing a huge chunk of 70 percent revenue to the national exchequer, has been mercilessly left alone and stranded. The injustice and oppression to Karachiites must stop now and PM Khan will have to take concrete steps in such a manner that action against KE and subsequent reaction become visible.”
Siraj Teli and Agha Shahab further stressed that if PTI MNAs have been publicizing JIT reports then they all must also demand to publicize the agreement between KE and the government which contains glaring loopholes and faults, besides providing full freedom to KE to fearlessly enjoy the monopoly.
They opined that the government is also involved in negotiations between KE and Shanghai Electric China which intends to acquire 66.4 percent of KE’s total issued share capital but either Shanghai Electric takes over or the current possessors retain KE’s control in future, the existing agreement with the utility service provider is unacceptable and it has to be revisited and amended at any cost. “It has been a terrible experience for Karachiites after KE’s privatization in 2005 hence, the next agreement must address all the loopholes and faults, besides leaving no room for monopolization. Because of KE’s monopoly, the consumers have no other option but to bear exploitation by KE. The end to KE’s monopoly would certainly engage other companies in the power generation & distribution sector, trigger competition and give consumer the freedom to choose either KE or any other Utility Service Provider whoever is capable of fully satisfying their demand, they added.
They were of the opinion that keeping in view the huge population and size of Karachi city, the entire power generation & distribution network of Karachi has to be divided between three to four electricity parties so that not only KE but other companies could also be brought into the field for fulfilling the electricity demand in different areas and they should also not be able to monopolize.
“We hope that Prime Minister Imran Khan would pay attention to this serious issue at the earliest and take concrete steps to minimize the hardships being suffered by the citizens and the business & industrial community of the largest city of Pakistan”, they added.
Loin Air of Indonesia wants to start flights from Pakistan and negations with the aviation officials are already underway. Loin Air wants to start from three cities of Pakistan. The plan is still on the table. Let us hope that negotiations between the Loin Air officials and Pakistani aviations officials make some early headway
ANSAR M BHATTI
ISLAMABAD: Though, COVID 19 continues to play havoc with human lives and global economies, nevertheless, simultaneously the damage control efforts are also in full swing to minimize the devastating socio-economic impacts of the pandemic. To contain and fight off the financial downturn the friendly nations through consultations are identifying ways for mutual cooperation for the enhanced sustainable economic activities between them.
These views were expressed by Ambassador of Indonesia Iwan S Amri during a Webinar with leading Pakistani journalists. Deny Tri Basuki, Counsellor at the Embassy moderated the webinar.
The Indonesian embassy held a media webinar inviting leading journalist of the country to express their views about bilateral relations between the two countries and as to how this relationship can further be strengthened. Both Pakistan and Indonesia enjoy excellent relations. These relations witnessed remarkable improvement in the last few years, especially ever since the incumbent Ambassador Iwan S Amri took charge of the office. Since then bilateral relations are constantly on the move.
Iwan S. Amri, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia further said it was a unique interaction between the Indonesia embassy and the media fraternity on the issue of COVID-19 and assured to continue such interactions.
He said the Indonesian embassy highly valued warm ties with the friends in Pakistani media and acknowledged the role they have been playing in promoting the goodwill between the people of the two countries. Therefore, the prime objective of this meeting is to maintain cordial relations and to discuss in light manner the COVID 19 pandemic socioeconomic impacts on the society.
The ambassador told the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad had also organized a virtual meeting with the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) which is headquartered in the Pakistani economic hub of Karachi. It represents country’s leading Corporate and Business Groups and as an advocacy forum work to improve the general business environment of the country. Through its research projects, it also provides valuable input to the Government of Pakistan for bilateral agreements such as the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) and the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and other countries.
During the course of discussion with the PBC he had highlighted the current issues concerning the bilateral economic cooperation between the countries and stressed on the significance of fostering the sustainable bilateral trade relations. “Indonesia and Pakistan must work together for the sustainable trade relations between them,” Ambassador Iwan Amri observed.
The Envoy believed that the concerted communication and consultations with the various stakeholders in Pakistan will certainly build greater confidence and improve environment for the both countries to uplift business, economic and other aspects of the bilateral ties.
“We would like to encourage and elevate bilateral trade and overall economic cooperation between the two countries that was sustainable, equitable and mutually beneficial corresponding to their respective supply &demand potential,” remarked Ambassador Iwan Amri.
To a question about possibility of air links, the ambassador said they do not have any aviation contract with PIA. However Loin Air of Indonesia wants to start flights from Pakistan and negations with the aviation officials are already underway. Loin Air wants to start from three cities of Pakistan. The plan is still on the table. Let us hope that negotiations between the Loin Air officials and Pakistani aviations officials make some early headway.
Repatriation of citizens:
To a question about repatriation of Indonesian citizens, the Ambassador Iwan said that the tracking and data collection process of the Indonesian citizens for their repatriation was a daunting task because of the reason that they were located in various cities and regions of Pakistan. Especially those of Tabligh Jamat were hard to track and contact as they would move from a region to another for their Tablighi activities, he added.
The Ambassador said that limitations of movement resulting from the lockdown and physical distancing policies by the Pakistani authorities, the Embassy adapted to the evolving situation and through innovative ways and tireless efforts managed to contact its nationals spread over different parts of the country.
Sharing some details the Ambassador informed that as per our multiple pronged strategy the Embassy established intensive coordination with the Pakistani authorities, management of the Tabligh Markazin Raiwind and Islamabad, IIUI management and the students, Markaz Jamat Tabligh back in Ancol, Indonesia, and the Pakistani friends to ensure that the repatriation was complete and successful.
At the end of the day we all emerged successful and were able to repatriate over 180 people to Indonesia. The Ambassador also thanked Pakistani govt and PIA authorities for facilitating the repatriation.
The ambassador also talked about steps taken by the Pakistan government for the well being of diplomatic community in Islamabad. He also cited a letter written by the dean of diplomatic corps to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thanking it for ensuring security of the diplomatic corps.
The ambassador also lauded efforts of Pakistan government for effectively dealing with the COVID 19 situation. He also mentioned latest statement of the WHO chief in which is recognized efforts of Pakistan government in this regard.
Ambassador Amri praised government Ehsas program and they way poor people were helped thru this program. He lauded efforts of the government in this regard. The ambassador also talked about CPEC project and termed it beneficial for the people of Pakistan and this region as well.
The ambassador could not resist himself to praise various packages offered by the government of Pakistan for the people affected by COVID 19. He especially mentioned govt construction and tourism packages. He termed govt decision to open the tourism sector a welcome development.
Ambassador Amri said Indonesia will take part in upcoming virtual Rawal Expo expected take place in August this year. Indonesia has regularly been taking part in Rawal Expo.
Talking about COVID 19 situation in Indonesia the ambassador said like other countries, Indonesia has also suffered due to pandemic. He said nevertheless number of cases in his country was lower as compared to many countries.
The ambassador hoped that situation wills soon return to normalcy.
The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry president Mian Anjum Nisar on Wednesday welcomed the Pakistan-China agreement for construction of Azad Pattan Hydel Power Project of 700MW of electricity, as part of the CPEC, suggesting the government to also include more hydropower projects in its plan, as the country cannot afford to rely on costly and anti-environment fossil fuels.
“FPCCI is hopeful that the project, located on River Jhelum, will be completed within its time frame in 2026 and will not be delayed like several other hydro power projects in the country,” he stated.
It’s a good news for the public in general and business community in particular, as the new project would enable the country to move towards cheaper and greener power, inviting investment of $1.5 billion besides generating local job opportunities, he added.
Mian Anjum Nisar emphasized the importance of dams, stating that over 20 million acres of barren land can be brought under cultivation if the water is made available by developing water storages in the country. He said that with construction of dams, the country can strengthen its agriculture to attain food security and cope with the fast growing needs of water in domestic and industrial sectors besides injecting sizeable low-cost hydroelectricity into the national grid to stabilize the national economy
He endorsed the government future plan in this regard, as a summary is being moved by the Power Division to the Economic Coordination Committee for the approval of Kohala Hydropower Project, and Azad Pattan Hydropower Project as well as Mahl Hydropower project, all on Jhelum River, which would prove to be a milestone in the country’s development and prosperity.
He also called for speedy work of other power projects including Shargthang, Hanzal, Chilas, Naltar and Hassanabad Hunza, besides early construction of Kalabagh Dam which is the most suitable project for the national economy as it would produce cheap and sufficient electricity.
FPCCI President, referring to the factors behind the current scenario of water and hydropower sectors in the country, observed that the situation can be improved by putting a robust development mechanism in place and exercising prompt decision making. All stakeholders including the business community are ready to play their due role to implement the National Water Policy for water, food and energy security of the country, he said.
He said that Kalabagh dam should not be ignored at any cost, as water scarcity is heading towards the point of no return. Those opposing the Kalabagh Dam are unaware of the ground realities,” he said and added how can a mega water project be harmful for an agrarian country?
He said that one million acre feet of water gives benefit valued at $2 billion annually to the economy, while Pakistan is throwing away 35 million acre feet of water by delaying construction of the dam. This means that we are wasting $70 billion a year, which is almost equal to the country’s external debt, he added.
He maintained that hydropower is the most advanced and mature renewable energy technology and provides some level of electricity generation in more than 160 countries worldwide including. Moreover, hydropower is an attractive renewable option given the low-cost of electricity it produces, low greenhouse gas emissions and the flexibility it provide to the grid.
He observed that Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has constantly been issuing warning to the government on water scarcity and urged that all the allocations of PSDP should be spent only on enhancing water storage capacity. He said that Pakistan has to develop mega and small dams to store water if it wants to avert water crisis in the coming years.
FPCCI appreciates that despite prevailing situation of COVID-19 in the country, the mega project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor are being moved forward with full force and hope that more projects under CPEC would be signed in future.
We fully support the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to which the country is going to move forward to produce clean and cheaper electricity instead of utilizing the expensive imported fuel. He said under the vision of the prime minister, the new projects would bring billions of dollars of foreign investment instead of putting burden of loans on the poor nation.
Islamabad 8th July 2020:As the world looks to establish a “new normal” amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, information and communication technologies (ICT) are coming to the fore in Pakistanas critical toolsinprotecting public health and in realizing socio-economic stability. Understanding this digital shift is important to both businesses and government authorities as they seek new ways to confront the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Mark Meng, CEO of Huawei Pakistan shared his thoughts“We have worked with our customers and partners effortlessly over the last few months to make sure of providing smooth and reliable network connection in Pakistan, and we’ve identified some of the most important technologies that will play a role in this fight against COVID-19. New applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are, for example, being used to aid the many scientists and medical experts who are searching for a vaccine and treatments. Smarter collaboration tools are assisting teachers and students across Pakistanto stay connected, and for future generations not to fall behind in today’s knowledge economy. Advanced cameras and analytics systems are helping government authorities to monitor public spaces and even conduct remote testing, protecting community wellbeing in the process”.
None of these scenarios would be possible without a robust ICT ecosystem. The applications of AI, cloud computing, and big data happening in Pakistantoday are proving just how valuable technology collaborations can be when done in an open framework. In particular, the potential future rollout of 5G connectivity will help to improve network capacity and support even more robust tools in the fight against COVID-19.
The Government of Pakistan has adopted a smart lockdown policy in the country, collaborating with leading ICT solution providers to ensure people have access to a smooth and reliable network connection that keeps them connected in this critical time.
The fight against COVID-19 thus requires the sharing of expertise like never before, particularly in the technology field. That exchange can be seen in collaborations like those between the Ministry of National Health Services and Huawei to deploy a new video conferencing system that can be applied for epidemic prevention and control command, remote consultation, and remote monitoring.
A set of truly immersive experiences will emerge, allowing us to transcend the boundaries of time and space in domains like ultra-high-definition live broadcasts, smart classrooms, remote education, online healthcare, and virtual entertainment. 5G will also allow industries like manufacturing, electricity, transportation, finance, and many others to go digital, embrace artificial intelligence, and deliver new value for their customers. All told, these technologies will have a much broader spillover effect because ICT has become a new economic force, sparking a new wave of global economic growth.
At Huawei, we are focused on innovations in technology, engineering, products, and solutions to address customer needs. We are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. We have more than 194,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has appealed to the world community to formulate a joint strategy to protect the vulnerable segments of the society especially the laborers from the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing an online global summit organised by the International Labour Organisation on coronavirus, the prime minister said that labour class across the world has been affected most due to lockdowns imposed across the globe due to Covid-19 pandemic.
He pointed out that many countries including Pakistan depend upon remittances sent by the overseas workers.
“Future is very uncertain as we do not know how long the economy will take to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. We are all praying a vaccine comes out for the virus soon, but, meanwhile, uncertainty prevails,” said the prime minister.
Speaking about the efforts done by his government during the pandemic, Imran Khan said that Pakistan introduced and imposed smart lockdown under which public gatherings were restricted, but the govt allowed other activities like reopening of construction and agriculture sectors.
PM Imran said that his government provided cash assistance to the laborers under Ehsaas Program. It was the first time in Pakistan’s history that such a huge money was disbursed in such a short space of time,” added PM Khan.
He said that a collective strategy is needed to tell other countries to be sympathetic to these labourers.
President of Ghana, Nana Akufo- Addo, who is the Chairperson of COMSATS, has isolated himself after coming into contact with an associate who tested positive for the coronavirus.
It has been officially announced by the Government of Ghana that Honorable Chairperson COMSATS will begin a 14-day precautionary self-isolation measure in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
The statement said that the President has tested negative for COVID-19, but “has elected to take this measure out of abundance of caution.”. However, he will however continue to discharge his responsibility in isolation.
The Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) is an inter-governmental organization of the developing world based in Islamabad with 27-member states representing Africa, Asia and Latin America. COMSATS is dedicated to promoting socio-economic development of developing counties through application of science and technology. It is an apex forum of the developing countries with Heads-of-State/Government of the Member States as members of the Commission. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Republic of Ghana, is the incumbent Chairperson of the Commission.
Chairperson COMSATS H.E. President of Ghana is an eminent global personality. On the international stage he is Co-Chair (along with Prime Minister of Norway) of the UN Secretary General’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Advocates and member (along with 13 other Heads of State/Government) of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. President Akufo-Addo is a leading statesman in Africa and has been designated by the African Union as a Leader on Gender and Development Issues in Africa.
On 8th July 2020, Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad organized a Webinar “China-India Border Standoff & Strategic Implications for Islamabad”. The aim of the Webinar was to discuss the recent border tensions between China-India and its impact on regional security and stability.
Maj Gen Syed Khalid Amir Jaffery (Retd), President CGSS commenced the webinar and stated that China has never been an expansionist state and has never followed an aggressive policy. However, India has continued to follow its traditional policy of absorbing territory gradually. They have been doing this to Pakistan and now China. It is clear that China is no longer reluctant to act militarily if its core interests are threatened.
Ambassador Riaz Khokhar, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan stated that India came up with new maps, thereby prompting the whole crisis. It has been vocal about not only recovering Azad Kashmir but GB and Aksai Chin as well. India is now projecting itself as a victim and seeks attention from western powers especially the US, as in US there is mounting anti-China sentiment and China is seen as a challenger to its global status.
Mr. Victor Zhikai GAO, Chair Professor Soochow University & Vice President, Center for China & Globalization, Beijing, China mentioned the Tonya- Harding syndrome in China-US relations. He stated that the goal of whacking Chinese kneecaps to prevent China’s steady rise, is a futile attempt by US. China will be significantly larger and more impactful than US in next few years and US will have to accept this reality. He further said that war is against China’s fundamental interests of peace and mutual peaceful coexistence, and India’s fundamental interest of industrialization. Moreover, any military escalation will be a drain on resources for both the countries, though more detrimental for India.
Lt Gen Tariq Waseem Ghazi, HI (M), (Retd), Former Defence Secretary of Pakistan stated that China has the capability to respond to India’s aggression both diplomatically and militarily but it has refrained from doing so, keeping in view its diplomatic and strategic domain in the region. India has been falsely propagating against China. Pakistan and China need to further strengthen and build a greater collation, partnership and mutual relations.
Ambassador Zamir Akram, Former Permanent Representative to the UN, stated that a new cold war has been initiated hinting towards a tri-polar world. America has been promoting and supporting Indian aggression in the region causing a threat to regional peace. He stated that the immediate trigger to resurface the issue was Modi Government’s decision to change the status of Jammu and Kashmir. The danger of standoff escalating into wider confrontation cannot be ruled out.
Prof. Huang Yunsong, Associate Dean, School of International Studies, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China stated that India has over estimated their military strength imagining that China will succumb to its tactics but our message to India is very clear. China will not allow violation of its sovereignty. He appreciated Pakistan’s commitment towards CPEC projects.
Maj Gen Ijaz Awan, HI(M), (Retd), Defence Analyst commented that recent developments have brought Pakistan and China close than ever before, thus there is a need to enhance strategic cooperation to guard their joint territorial integrity and Strategic interests.
The Webinar was attended by 50 participants and was moderated by Lt Col Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, CGSS.
Islamabad – . In view of dire need for new educational strategies due to COVID-19 pandemic, the Global Academic Leaders Academy (GALA), Inter-University Consortium for the Promotion of Social Sciences (IUCPSS), and National Skills University Islamabad joint initiative on “Sharing Best Academic Practices” is receiving great appreciation and acceptance across the world.
In continuation of knowledge sharing series Prof Dr. Sc Dr Klaus Oestreicher, Vice President International at E.H.E. Europa Hochschule EurAka CH, Therwil, Canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland will deliver a lecture today. The title of Prof. Oestreicer’s talk is “Innovating the Higher Education landscape and will be delivered via zoom today (July 9th 2020) at 3:00 pm Pakistan Standard Time.
According to Murtaza Noor, Coordinator GALA/IUCPSS, the Swiss Professor will describe the idea of discovery-driven planning in higher education to absorb the disruptive impacts of the current pandemic. Professor Oestreicher believes that COVID-19 has created enormous opportunities for smaller institutions to outperform compared with established reputable universities.
Future successful universities will be the one adapting and assimilating technology-based solutions from enrolment to graduation. Newly emerging universities environment will foster independent multi-cultural student teams and unlimited choices for students across the world.
The lecture will outline challenges and opportunities for both learners and the teaching community to adapt to generating a skilled workforce ready to work at workplaces with different environments.Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Academia, students, and parents across the country and globally are heavily praising this joint initiative. In this connection, the previous lecture by Prof. Sohail Naqvi on the topic of “Defining and devising excellence in higher education during and COVID-19 era” also available at the GALA YouTube channel has broad viewership.
According to Murtaza Noor, the GALA/IUCPSS/National Skills University initiative is serving as a virtual training center equally benefitting academic leaders, faculty, students, and the public across the world. Released by: Murtaza Noor National Coordinator Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences Pakistan and Country Coordinator Global Academics Leadership Academy Pakistan Cell No 0300-9840120
