ISLAMABAD, MAY 22 / DNA / = As the Eid Ul Fitr leaves Starts, and country goes on holidays, NCOC is in action in its daily morning situation meeting and carrying out task to ensure Eid SOPs implementation and particularly about precautions & social distancing.=DNA
==========
RIYADH, MAY 22 — Salah Khashoggi, the son of the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, says that the family has pardoned his father’s killers.
Salah Khashoggi issued a statement on his Twitter handle, saying that the family has decided to pardon those who murdered their father.
“On this virtuous night of this holy month, we recall the say of God Almighty in his holy book: “The repayment of bad actions, is one equivalent to it, But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward lies with God. He does not love the unjust.”
“Thus, we, sons of the martyr Jamal Khashoggi, announce that we forgive those who killed our father — May he rest in peace — for the sake of God Almighty, hopefully seeking reward with the Almighty,” the statement read.
Khashoggi was killed in a rogue operation carried out at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Oct. 2, 2018.
A Saudi court in December 2109 sentenced five people to death for the murder and three others were sentenced to a total of 24 years in jail following an investigation.
The investigations involved a total of 31 persons, of whom 21 were taken into custody. The investigations concluded that there was no premeditation to commit the murder. “The murder was spontaneous.”
Welcoming the judgment, Salah Khashoggi had expressed his faith in the Saudi judicial system and denounced those who politicize his father’s case.
“My father never tolerated any abuse or attempt to harm (the Kingdom), and I will not accept his memory or his cause being taken advantage of to achieve that,” he had said.
The CPEC is an important cooperation project between the Governments of China and Pakistan. It has always adhered to the principles of mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, openness and transparency
ISLAMABAD(DNA)The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan has taken note of the irresponsible remarks once again by Mrs. Alice Wells on the China-Pakistan relations and the CPEC. Her speech is totally baseless, just a repetition of her same old tune. This is yet another doomed attempt to defame Sino-Pak relations and the CPEC. We are firmly opposedto it.
Today marks the 69th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.
For the past 69 years, our two countries have established and consolidated an all-weather friendship. We respect each other and support each other. We cooperate for common prosperity. We work together to promote regional peace and stability. In the current fight against COVID-19, China and Pakistan stand together and China donated medical equipment and materials of more than $55 million to Pakistan. We take Pakistan as an equal partner and never asked Pakistan to “do more”. We support Pakistan’s own model of development and never intervene its domestic affairs. We highlight Pakistan’s responsible role in regional affairs and never exert pressure.
The CPEC is an important cooperation project between the Governments of China and Pakistan. It has always adhered to the principles of mutual benefit, win-win cooperation, openness and transparency. The planning and implementation of the projects are carried out by the two sides through thorough consultations based on equality and scientific study.The Chinese companies under the CPEC are all leading companies in their respective sectors and operate in full compliance with local laws and regulations. Since its implementation, the CPEC has brought $25 billion in direct investment and created more than 75,000 jobs for Pakistan. China has been the major source of FDI for Pakistan in the past five consecutive years. While according to the BOI, the FDI from the USA to Pakistan was a bit over $1billion between 2012 and 2019.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, there is ZERO infection on CPEC projects due to strict measures taken by the both sides. The Chinese companies have not suspended construction nor have they laid-off a single local staff. The CPEC projects have secured local employment and kept contributing to Pakistan’s economy. The energy projects are generating 1/3 of the electricity for Pakistan now. The Phase II of KKH is almost ready for traffic. The integrated test and commissioning for the Lahore Orange Line have been successfully completed. The construction of the new airport in Gwadar entered into the second phase. Gwadar has become an economic hub for Baluchistan. All Chinese companies working for the CPEC have generously donated medical assistance to Pakistan in the current difficult situation. Over 20,000 Pakistani students are studying in China on scholarships provided by the Chinese government and Universities. In the next stage of the CPEC, both sides will strength the cooperation on health care, industrial development, agriculture and education. The CPEC will give new impetus to Pakistan’s economic revival even in the post COVID-19 period.
China knows the impact of the COVID-19 on Pakistan’s economy and is sparing no effort to help Pakistan address the challenge. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, its debt from multilateral institutions amounts to about 47% of its total external debt, while loans from the CPEC is only $5.8 billion, 5.22% of the Pakistan’s total debt. It has no pressure on Pakistan at all. Recently, the G20 members adopted a Debt Service Suspension Initiative for the Poorest Countries. China supported Pakistan to be included and is ready to provide relief. China will never force Pakistan to pay back the debts and China’s loans have no strings attached.
While China and Pakistan are cooperating to prevent and control the epidemic, China sent a group of experts to Pakistan to combat the locust plague. China has donated 300 tons of malathion and 50 air-powered high-efficiency remote sprayers to Pakistan in this regards. We are ready to extend more help. The CPFTA Phase-II has taken effect from Jan 1, 2020. The level of trade liberalization between the two countries has increased with the tariffs further reduced. In addition, China and Pakistan are working together to promote the peace process in Afghanistan and provide humanitarian assistance to Afghan refugees in Pakistan. China also opposes the politicization of the International Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and is working with Pakistan to strengthen its capacity.
We have no intention to comment on the Pakistan-US relations, but we hope the USA can show basic respect to the choice by China and Pakistan. Irresponsible speech and unscrupulous blames won’t help. We also hope the USA will abandon its cold war and zero-sum mentality, fulfill its responsibilities, extend due respect and give concrete assistance to Pakistan. We need no teachers, especially a teacher like the USA.
Khalid Bin Majeed
The killer coronavirus disease COVID-19 spilled over to Pakistan in February. It soon took root and began to course through the length and breadth of Pakistan, taking its toll on more and more people.
With the outbreak of the epidemic, the federal government together with the provincial governments, the armed forces and the international community and human rights organizations has moved heaven and earth to stem its tide, minimize infections and deaths, cushion maximum number of people against poverty, hunger, and starvation [by doling out monetary assistance] and save the private sector employees from mass layoffs by offering cheaper loans to their employers.
Like the other state institutions, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society – undoubtedly the major humanitarian organization in Pakistan affiliated with 192 National Societies – too decided to contribute to the government’s anti-corona efforts, as no government could come to grips with such challenges of magnanimous proportions single-handed.
As the top brains sat across the table in the committee room to brainstorm and map a slew of initiatives, Chairman Abrar Ul Haq spoke up, “Let us contribute in a big way starting off with a hospital to treat the corona patients and send them back home with a clean bill of health.” His idea raised many an eyebrow, as it seemed impracticable given the large sums of money involved.
Arguments against the project outweighed those in favor [of the idea], but Mr. Haq stuck to his guns. Like a leader who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way, Mr. Haq unbundled his plan. After delineating it, looking at me saddled next to him, Mr. Haq said, “This is a challenge and I leave it to you and your team how to go about it.” Drawing strength from the never-say-die determination writ large on the face of our worthy chairman, I said, “Consider it done, sir!”
As per the plan, funding was immediately arranged from own resources and through the IFRC. The Executive Committee Members played a very supportive role by providing guidance, and ensuring prompt approvals and decision-making.
It was due to these combined efforts, that the old building of the PRCS branch in Rawalpindi got a massive facelift and metamorphosed into a state-of-the-art corona care hospital within record 18 days. Like a close-knit family, almost everyone at the PRCS down to the watchman chipped in – directly or indirectly – to transform the chairman’s dream into a reality.
Standing majestically at a stone’s throw from the famous Siddiqui Chowk, the stately hospital – a testament to the monumental efforts and dedication of the PRCS team – is now abuzz with a feverish human activity centered round treating the corona patients and taking best care of them. Around 74 patients have been treated and sent back home, while 20 patients are under treatment.
In spite of the fact that Prime Minister Imran Khan is deeply engaged on many domestic and international fronts, he took time out and visited the hospital. Chairman Abrar Ul Haq gave the prime minister a detailed briefing after he had visited round all the sections of the hospital.
With a beaming face and undisguised glee, the prime minister appreciated the chairman and the entire PRCS team for the project and expressed hope that it would go a long way towards addressing the health challenge in a surefire way.
The three-floor hospital has a 44-member staff headed by Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr Saim Bin Saeed. The hospital, equipped with nine ventilators and other facilities, has been set up in accordance with the recommendations of the Chinese health experts. It has two buffer zones, male and female isolation wards and an intensive care unit (ICU).
An exclusive fever clinic has also been set up at the hospital in accordance with the ‘three-zones-two-passages’ strategy adopted by the Chinese health experts at their hospitals to control the flow of citizens.
Under this strategy, one zone has been demarcated for the contaminated people, one for potentially contaminated people, and one for non-infected or non-contaminated people. Each of these zones is separated by two buffer zones many feet apart. A fourth passage has been dedicated for contaminated medical items and other articles whose movements are strictly monitored.
It merits a mention that the Chinese health professionals also visited the hospital, reviewed all the arrangements in the light of their own experiences in their homeland, and gave their useful suggestions and recommendations.
Here I would be doing a huge injustice if I do not mention the contribution of Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Captain (retired) Izhar Ul Haq and Vice Chancellor Rawalpindi Medical University (RMU) Dr Muhammad Umar to the hospital project. They went out of their way to support this ambitious project and ensured their availability round the clock. They are a valuable asset that we need to protect, perhaps a little better than we normally do.
The hospital is a capital-intensive project needing a steady, uninterrupted flow of monetary assistance in the pipeline to stay on the tracks. The funding must not choke come hell or high water. Pounds, pennies, dimes, and shillings must keep pouring in to keep the bucket full. We have to keep in mind that drop-by-drop a bucket gets filled [to the brim].
Last but not the least: the Pakistan Red Crescent Society owes its gratitude to all those who wholesomely contributed to the project. This continuing charity will stand them in good stead in this world and the hereafter. – The writer is Secretary General Pakistan Red Crescent Society
By DNA ATTOCK: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam has said that the Federal Government would soon launch a major protected area initiative across Pakistan as part of its ‘Green Stimulus’ drive for conserving nature and providing ‘green’ jobs.The Ministry of Climate Change (MoCC) in that regard would establish six model national protected parks in all the provinces, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan at the cost of Rs 2,400 million.Malik Amin Aslam said the national parks as part of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government’s billion Tree Tsunami Programme, would be properly managed to help preserve ecological habitats and wildlife with focus on eco-tourism and nature conservation.He said the PTI government under the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan wanted to protect the nature and the indigenous wildlife of the country for future generations. A new authority ‘National Parks Sevice for Pakistan’ would be established for the upkeep of the parks.He said the protected national park in Punjab would locate at Kheri Murat, Fatehjang Tehsil of Attock district spread over an area of 8,740 acres. Its boundaries would touch nine villages in the north, eight in the south, Kheri Murat village and Rawalpindi in the east, and the hills close to Gali Jageer village in the west.The advisor said hunting, shooting, killing, trapping, or capturing of any wild animal inside the park and in its three kilometers radius would be prohibited. The area would be protected to revive the wildlife in its natural habitat and conserve the rich biodiversity of the unique ecosystem in the Kala Chitta mountain range.Over 50 kilometres from Islamabad and lying on both sides of the motorway, the park would provide excellent recreational activities to enjoy the nature and eco-tourism, besides providing employments to the local people. DNA
DNA
Islamabad,
To compliment the lifestyle of the upscale suburb of Rawalpindi with high-end hospitality, Hashoo Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan Services Limited and AAA Associates to open a Pearl-Continental Hotel in Bahria Town Phase 8, Rawalpindi.
Speaking about this new hotel, Hashoo Group Hospitality Division, Chief Operating Officer Mr. Haseeb Gardezi highlighted the significant economic growth and employment opportunities that the opening of the brand-new five-star hotel will bring in the area. Mr. Gardezi said, “We are pleased to partner with AAA Associates to make a landmark entrance with our Pearl-Continental brand in the heart of Bahria Town”.
The Chairman of AAA Associates Mr. Fawad Bashir and Managing Director, Lt. Col. Retd. Shahzad Ali Kiani added: “We are honoured to contribute to a society where we see vast opportunities and a promising future with one-of-a-kind lifestyle”, He also added that “Pearl-Continental Hotel will be a part of AAA Octa Multipurpose development in the business district of Bahria Town Phase 8”.
Within the development the five-star hotel will feature a minimum of 120 rooms and suites, a variety of fine-dining multi-cuisine restaurants, a spa and fitness center, activity areas for children, as well as meeting rooms and large event spaces. The hotel will be a part of the multi-purpose AAA Octa Building , which not only will be one of the tallest buildings of Punjab but will also feature a theme-based mall, office spaces and an executive club to cater to a host of leisure and business activities. The building will be an expression of cultural construction making it one of its kind architecture in Pakistan with a mesmerizing view of an infinite pool, scenic and monumental surroundings of Bahria phase 8.
Pearl-Continental Hotel Bahria Town will expand Pearl-Continental’s presence in Pakistan, adhering to its commitment of delivering quality standards to both resident guests and visitors from all around the world.
DNA
DUSHANBE, DNA) – The Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has inspected a number of temporary hospitals that were recently built in Dushanbe for treatment of infectious diseases. He was accompanied by the Chairman of Dushanbe, Chairman of National Assembly Rustam Emomali, Prime Minister, Chairman of Republican Commission on Prevention and Fight against COVID-19 Kohir Rasulzoda.
The inspection included four temporary and one mobile hospital which can accommodate 3,200 patients that equipped with necessary medical equipment and medicaments and the project designs of the Dushanbe Infectious Diseases Hospital which will be able to accommodate 1,500 patients once it is built in the metropolitan area of Sino.
During inspection, President Rahmon noted that the assistance of the neighboring Uzbekistan, which included the shipment of 144 special medical containers equipped with ventilations, serves as an outstanding example of mutually beneficial relations.
Following the tour of the hospitals, President Emomali Rahmon held a meeting with Dushanbe healthcare workers regarding the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases in the country and providing prompt and quality service to patients.
The Prime Minister, Chairman of Republican Commission on Prevention and Fight against COVID-19 Kohir Rasulzoda gave a detailed report on the measures taken by so far to prevent and combat this new disease. He also noted that all hospitals have been provided with medications, necessary medical equipment and disinfectants, and the situation is currently under control.
In his report, the Minister of Health and Social Protection Jamoliddin Abdullozoda stressed that regional doctors, clinics, hospitals and all health facilities are operating 24 hours a day, in anticipation of patients suspect of having COVID-19. More than 7,500 doctors and 25,000 mid-level health workers are currently deployed in 85 hospitals.
More than 45 million somoni has been allocated from the budget and other organizations to provide hospitals with the required medications, medical supplies and equipment to fight this disease.
In order to provide quality services, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population has established an Intellectual Medical Center, with hotlines serviced by specialists that are ready to assist and consult residents. The hotline can be reached by calling 311 or 511.
ISTANBUL, May 21:Turkey’s national flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) will resume operations in June, according to the company.
The THY will begin its domestic flights on June 4 and international flights on June 10, a press officer told Xinhua on Thursday.
In the upcoming period, cabin baggage would no longer be carried in the cabin, said Ilker Ayci, chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the company.
Speaking to local media, Ayci noted that only handbags would be allowed inside the cabins.
The carrier earlier extended the suspension of all its domestic and international flights until May 28 over COVID-19 concerns.
China was deeply touched by the firm support it received from Pakistan in its effort to curb the epidemic. President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan sent letters of solidarity to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang respectively
2 col
BEIJING, May 21 (DNA):Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing said on Thursday that China and Pakistan were true friends and brother sharing weal and woe and the cooperation between the two countries in the fight against COVID-19 was a model of international cooperation.
“China and Pakistan are true friends and brothers sharing weal and woe. The cooperation between China and Pakistan in the fight against COVID-19 is a model of international cooperation. Our all-weather strategic and cooperative partnership is consolidated in addressing this common challenge.”
Yao Jing made these remarks in an exclusive interview with China Economic Net, a leading economic news portal in China, during which he spoke in length on issues of China-Pakistan mutual support during the COVID-19 pandemic, progress on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), achievements in business and trade cooperation, and joint fight against the locust swarms etc.
He remarked that China was deeply touched by the firm support it received from Pakistan in its effort to curb the epidemic. President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan sent letters of solidarity to President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang respectively.
President Arif Alvi paid a special visit to China in March this year. Prime Minister Imran Khan made a phone call to President Xi Jinping to express his support for China. Foreign Minister Qureshi held two telephone conversations with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
The National Assembly and the Senate of Pakistan respectively passed resolutions to support China’s fight against COVID-19. Pakistan had tried its best to mobilize anti-epidemic materials nationwide to support China.
Many Pakistani people, including Pakistani students studying in China, expressed their support in various ways, reflecting the rock-solid friendship between China and Pakistan.
In return, after COVID-19 broke out in Pakistan, China rushed for assistance. The Chinese central and local governments, the military, enterprises, the Red Cross Society of China, and civil society continued to provide Pakistan with urgently needed anti-epidemic materials, including large quantities of testing kits, masks, ventilators, PPEs, medicines and cash to assist Pakistan in establishing a new isolation hospital.
China has also held video conferences with Pakistan and sent medical teams to Pakistan for experience sharing and disease prevention and control.
