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Dr Ishrat unveils govt’s economic revival plan in wake of COVID-19

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 18 (DNA) – Adviser to Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms & Austerity Dr Ishrat Hussain has said that the government has devised and implemented a well-crafted strategy in wake of COVID-19 enabling the most vulnerable segments of the society to absorb the economic shocks whereas the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are being given support in order to tackle a disruption in the economic activities.

He was delivering a keynote speech at an online dialogue titled: ‘Managing Economy in the aftermath of COVID-19: A keynote session with Dr Ishrat Hussain, Advisor to Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms & Austerity’ organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here on Monday. Among others, national and international experts on economy, diplomats, academicians and the development experts made their participation in the webinar.

Dr Hussain said that the largest cash grant in the history of Pakistan targeting 16 million household across Pakistan is being provided to most vulnerable groups in the wake of the pandemic. Almost eight million people living below the poverty line have already been benefitted whereas four million more households that are feared to slip into this category and four million others that have lost the employment during this crisis would also be provided this cash grant, he added.

“The SMEs are being provided relief through several measures, including the arrangement of subsidies on the loans by the government,” he said, adding that measures are also being taken to revive the agriculture sector. It’s being done through supporting the small farmers and Rs 56 billion are being allocated to provide subsidies on agricultural inputs, including seeds and fertilizers.

He further said that the job creation is another key consideration of the government to respond to growing unemployment resulted in the aftermath of coronavirus. Therefore, he maintained, keeping in view the potential of construction sector in the creation of employment opportunities, subsidies and incentives are being announced for the important sector of the economy.

Dr Ishrat said that a number of measures are on the offing for the performance evaluation of civil servants under the institutional reforms. “These reforms are directed towards the aspects of induction, recruitment, training, performance management, career planning, promotion, compensation, early retirement and finally retirement. He said now it would be mandatory for the Grade-19 and over officers to produce at least two research papers in their relevant fields for their promotion in the next grade. He said the cabinet has already approved the institutional reforms plan and it will be implemented in next promotions. The e-governance initiatives were introduced even before the arrival outbreak of the pandemic and would be strengthened further now as an ongoing process, he said.

Regarding microfinance banking institutions, he said, they are regulated by the Central Bank while the others are regulated by the SECP. He recommended that the regulatory framework of microfinance institutions should come under the State Bank.

Dr Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director, SDPI, earlier said that in the time of uncertainty about the future at every level, it’s important for the people to know about the measures and policies being worked upon by the government to meet the challenges posed by COVID-19.

“Keeping balance between the lives and livelihoods would be important for the government while responding in the existing crisis,” Dr Suleri opined. Therefore, he said, it’s important for all the stakeholders to remain updated on various policy initiatives being taken by the government to overcome the challenges.

While responding to a question, Dr Ishrat Hussain said that the existing taxpayers wouldn’t be burdened further to reduce the revenue shortfall. He said that the focus would be on bringing new potential ones into the tax net.

To another question on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he said that we have to watch the situation as it emerges, since The UN will have to take decision and revisit the SDGs, for instance climate and environment related SDGs could be achieved quicker now due to less emissions while generating employment will take long time.

Indonesian Embassy facilitates repatriation of its stranded citizens in Pakistan

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Out of the 182 Indonesian Citizens 136 came to Pakistan to attend the Tablighi Congregation at Raiwind. Others included 17 students at IIUI, 13 Madrasa students and 16 travelers. Ambassador Iwan Amri

ISLAMABAD (DNA) -The Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad successfully facilitated the repatriation of its citizens by a special flight of Pakistan International Airways (PIA) which was announced to repatriate Pakistani nationals from Indonesia.

The news of the flight made possible by the Embassy efforts was cheered and admired by the Indonesian citizens majority of whom had been stranded in Pakistan for over three months as the COVID 19 pandamic forced suspension of international flights.

“We are very happy that we are going back to our homeland and will be able to celebrate Eid together with our families ” said one Indonesian citizen when sharing his joyas he arrived at the Islamabad Airport to board the special flight.

Indonesian Ambassador Iwan Suyudhie Amri was present at the Islamabad Airport to see off the special flight 186passengerthat included182 Indonesians and 4 other nationalities.

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Iwan Amri informed that out of the 182 Indonesian Citizens 136 came to Pakistan to attend the Tablighi Congregation at Raiwind. Others included 17 students at IIUI, 13 Madrasa students and 16 travellers. There were 4 other nationals among the passengers that included 3 Pakistani citizens married to Indonesian spouses and 1 Chinese student of Temboro Islamic Boarding School, Magetan, East Java.  “The four foreigners are Indonesian resident permit holders,” continued Ambassador Iwan.

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.

The Indonesian Embassy’s offer for an independent repatriation with PIA was greatly welcomed and appreciated by the Indonesian citizens because the fare was way cheaper than the other flights options with  certainty of the date of departure.

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To provide protection to its citizens, the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad formed a Task Force to monitor and respond to the situation arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Taskforce headed by the Embassy’s Defence AttacheColonel ARH Dody Muhtar Taufikwas able to complete the entiretask of repatriation successfully. 

The Indonesian Embassy Task Force also helped out and arranged vehicles from the point of departure of Indonesian citizens to the Islamabad airport and provided road permits andnecessary  assistance for theCOVID-19 negativecertificates issued by the Pakistani health authorities.

The passengers were also given necessarylogistics such as PPEandwere guided throughto fully comply with the health protocol established by the PIA during the flight and the Government of Indonesia upon arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia.

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“The repatriation is part of the Indonesian Government’sefforts to provide protection and all possible necessary assistance to its overseas  citizenswhich is one of Indonesia’s diplomacy priorities,” concluded Ambassador IwanAmri.

ICCI urges Govt. to accept demands of Flour Millers

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 18  / DNA / =  Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to take immediate measures for accepting the demands of flour mills owners in order to avert any flour crisis in the country.

He said this while talking to a delegation of flour mills owners that called on him led by Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, Central Executive Member of Flour Mills Association.

The delegation apprised him of the issues being faced by the flour millers due to some wrong policies of the Punjab Government. Ch. Mukhtar former Secretary General of Flour Mills Association, Sheikh Shaukat and others were in the delegation.

Muhammad Ahmed Waheed said that due to the strike and closure of flour mills, severe flour crisis would emerge while large number of workers would lose their jobs and people would also face great difficulties. He said the flour crisis would also enhance prices of flour leading to more miseries for the common man. He appealed to the government to resolve issues of flour mills on priority basis.

Speaking at the occasion, Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, Central Executive Member of Flour Mills Association, Ch. Mukhtar and and other members of delegation said that wrong policies of Punjab Government have created flour crisis.

They said that previously, government was buying wheat while private parties and flour mills were also allowed to buy wheat. However, this time under the pretext of anti-hoarding ordinance, raids were being conducted due to which wheat was not coming to wheat markets.

They said that those farmers who want to sell wheat to mills, their wheat was also confiscated during transportation and included in the government stock. They said that due to raids and confiscation, farmers have also stocked wheat and this situation has led to increase in price of wheat to Rs.1800 per 40Kg in Rawalpindi/Islamabad. They said that in previous years, private parties and flour mills were allowed to buy sufficient quantity of wheat, but government was also getting 2 Lac ton wheat per day.

But this time, despite the fact that private parties and flour mills were disallowed to buy wheat, government was getting low quantity of wheat. It showed two things, one that people have stocked wheat in their homes and second the wheat production remained less than expectations.

They were afraid that people who have stocked wheat in their homes will sell it on their own choice and rate that would further increase the price of wheat leading to further increase in price of flour as well. They urged that Punjab Government should remove ban on movement of wheat within the province so that people could get flour at reasonable price. They further said that KPK was also part of Pakistan and should be allowed easy supply of wheat that would keep prices of flour at affordable rate for people.DNA

ICCI urges Govt. to accept demands of Flour Millers

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admin
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ISLAMABAD, MAY 18  / DNA / =  Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to take immediate measures for accepting the demands of flour mills owners in order to avert any flour crisis in the country.

He said this while talking to a delegation of flour mills owners that called on him led by Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, Central Executive Member of Flour Mills Association.

The delegation apprised him of the issues being faced by the flour millers due to some wrong policies of the Punjab Government. Ch. Mukhtar former Secretary General of Flour Mills Association, Sheikh Shaukat and others were in the delegation.

Muhammad Ahmed Waheed said that due to the strike and closure of flour mills, severe flour crisis would emerge while large number of workers would lose their jobs and people would also face great difficulties. He said the flour crisis would also enhance prices of flour leading to more miseries for the common man. He appealed to the government to resolve issues of flour mills on priority basis.

Speaking at the occasion, Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, Central Executive Member of Flour Mills Association, Ch. Mukhtar and and other members of delegation said that wrong policies of Punjab Government have created flour crisis.

They said that previously, government was buying wheat while private parties and flour mills were also allowed to buy wheat. However, this time under the pretext of anti-hoarding ordinance, raids were being conducted due to which wheat was not coming to wheat markets.

They said that those farmers who want to sell wheat to mills, their wheat was also confiscated during transportation and included in the government stock. They said that due to raids and confiscation, farmers have also stocked wheat and this situation has led to increase in price of wheat to Rs.1800 per 40Kg in Rawalpindi/Islamabad. They said that in previous years, private parties and flour mills were allowed to buy sufficient quantity of wheat, but government was also getting 2 Lac ton wheat per day.

But this time, despite the fact that private parties and flour mills were disallowed to buy wheat, government was getting low quantity of wheat. It showed two things, one that people have stocked wheat in their homes and second the wheat production remained less than expectations.

They were afraid that people who have stocked wheat in their homes will sell it on their own choice and rate that would further increase the price of wheat leading to further increase in price of flour as well. They urged that Punjab Government should remove ban on movement of wheat within the province so that people could get flour at reasonable price. They further said that KPK was also part of Pakistan and should be allowed easy supply of wheat that would keep prices of flour at affordable rate for people.DNA

Pakistan needs favorable investment policies to attract FDI: Chinese diplomat

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ISLAMABAD, May 18 (DNA): While attending the Webinar on “CPEC Phase ll: China-Pakistan Industrial Cooperation” , the Chinese Consul General in Karachi Li Bijian stressed the importance of favorable investment policies and well-developed infrastructure and facilities for Pakistan to attract foreign investments and cushion the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organized by the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies, Centre for BRI and China Studies in collaboration with Riphah International University, the Webinar provided a platform for government officials, businessmen and scholars to exchange their views on the current status of China-Pakistan industrial cooperation and the prospect; the difficulties and challenges ahead; policies and implementation.

Director General (China), the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan Mudassir Tipu; Former Pakistani Ambassador to China Masood Khalid; Prof. Mi Hong from Zhejiang University,  Project Director of CPEC Liaqat Ali Shah, and over 70 celebrities from both Pakistan and China attended the Webinar.

According to Gwadar Pro, Li reiterated that as the first phase of CPEC has laid a solid foundation for the economic development of Pakistan, the second phase endeavors to boost development in agriculture, industrial cooperation, and people’s livelihood.

However, the rampant COVID-19 pandemic has in some degree hindered the implementation of CPEC projects because of raw materials shortage caused by interruption to supply chains, inadequate labor force, and the subsequent delay of the project schedule.

In this condition, Li suggested the government of Pakistan should take a far-sighted view and adopt top-down measures to meet the current challenges.

That will include adjusting the investment strategies, in which the government stages a platform for enterprises, especially the private ones to give full play to their capabilities. In addition, the government is obliged to strengthen social security and provide needed infrastructure and facilities in the important industrial cooperation zones including SEZs and Gwadar Port Free Zone.

To create a better investment environment, the government should promulgate favorable policies that can remain consistent in a long period.

Consul General Li pointed out that the internationalization of RMB will provide the Pakistani government with more macroeconomic policy options. Compared with the quantitative easing (QE) policies generally adopted by the western world in response to crises in recent years, liberalizing RMB direct investment can avert hyperinflation, sharp currency depreciation, and asset bubbles.

It will also avoid the risks of insufficient foreign exchange reserves and attract investments from China that can help promote the economic development of Pakistan.=DNA

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Very slim chances of T20 World Cup this year: Hayden

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Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden has said that the chances of this year’s T20 World Cup taking place as scheduled in Australia are very slim.

“I would think it is very slim,” Hayden said in an exclusive interview with Sportstar. “To put in perspective what happened in the last few months, the global economy has tanked, we have financial currencies in ruin, we have seen the number of deaths go up. I never thought I would see a time like the global financial crisis of 2008. Clearly I was wrong. This one beats that. To make a call on cricket is insignificant and disrespectful to the times we are living.”

However, the former batsman added that sport can play a crucial role during this crisis. “These are very difficult times and cricket has a role to play but only when there is significant advice from global experts not only about the safety and well-being of the cricketers but the entire group of people cricket brings with it. It should sit with those guidelines and requirements and not a second before. Almost every industry is hurting. Timelines need to be pushed. Entertainment is gold right now.”

He supported the idea of organising cricket fixtures behind closed doors but said that humanity must be the main priority.

Hayden feels the idea of prohibiting the application of saliva to shine the cricket ball is ridiculous and says the game should pause before returning with the same conditions that existed before the crisis.

Deliberate, politically motivated violence against civilians in IoK amounts to war crime: Wani

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 18 / DNA / – : Voicing his grave concern over the fast deteriorating political and human rights situation in the Indian occupied territory of Kashmir senior vice chairman of Jammu and Kashmir National Front (JKNF) Altaf Hussain Wani has said that rising tide of premeditated and politically motivated violence against Kashmiris by Indian forces amounts to war crimes.

In a statement issued here on Monday Mr. Altaf Hussain Wani said that it was quite unfortunate that Kashmiris were being beaten up, tortured, humiliated and harassed in the army camps that have been setup in every locality. “Targeted killing of educated youth have become a new norm for trigger happy forces in the restive region”, he said. Terming it premeditated and politically motivated violence perpetuated by the Indian state against hapless Kashmiris he said that Indian forces were involved in war crimes in Kashmir.

Referring to recent incidents of violence, relating to killing of a youth, looting and vandalizing of public properties by Indian forces in district Budgam the JKNF leader said, “India seems to be on the footsteps of Israel”. Killing young Kashmiris in fake encounters, maiming and mutilating their dead bodies intentionally, destroying civilian properties, demolishing homes and reducing them to rubble he said was India’s new policy to subjugate Kashmiris.

Citing a news report Wani said that in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district alone, at least 105 homes were destroyed during gunfights and search operations between 2015 and March 2018. He said that during its vicious operation at Nasrullahpora village of district Budgam, the Indian Army barged into houses and destroyed household items besides plundering a number of shops. He said that 163 vehicles and more than 42 buildings were damaged after drunken soldiers of Indian army went berserk in the village

This policy of looting and plundering he said was a deliberate attempt to crush Kashmiris economically. He said that these spine chilling incidents of violence serve as an eye opener for the world community. He said that the world community must shun its policy of indifference towards Kashmir and stop India from committing grave human rights violations against Kashmiris, who he said have never accepted India’s forcible occupation of their motherland.

Terming right to self-determination as an inalienable right of the people of Kashmir he said that no amount of violence by the Indian state can deter Kashmiris from pursuing their collective cause for which they have rendered great sacrifices. He urged the global community to discharge its moral responsibilities in resolving the lingering Kashmir dispute that has been the root cause and consequence of tension in the region.

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Speakers discuss COVID-19 impacts on education system

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Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized an International webinar on the topic, “Reopening Of The Educational Institutes Post COVID- 19: Effects And Precautions To Be Observed

ISLAMABAD (DNA) – Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS) organized an International webinar on the topic, “Reopening Of The Educational Institutes Post COVID- 19: Effects And Precautions To Be Observed”,At this time of the health crisis, educational sector all over the world is effected badly and countries are taking practical measures to avoid the educational loss.

The aim of the Webinar was to consolidate all the sufficient measures from different countries including Hungary, Russia, China and other European countries.

Niaz Ahmad, Vice-Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore stated that in these testing times, Punjab University has made virtual education effective. This Pandemic has hit our country when universities were at their completion of the session. Punjab Universities focusing on international advancements in educational system.

Dr. Asif Ali, Vice-Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan mentioned that they have developed a formula for their own special hand sanitizer amid the prevailing COVID-19 crises in Pakistan and the classes are being shifted to online programs.

Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor, Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), stated that the students and teachers are following the instructions, once the university will revive its classes, reconsideration is very important to maintain the same precautionary measures.In this new post-COVID world new modules and new learning traditions would be introduced. Laboratory tools have to be virtualized for example computer studies. Furthermore, he stated that very close watch for the virus is needed and especially the research in microbiology.

Mr. Faisal Mushtaq, CEO, The Millennium Education University, Islamabad stated that we need to redefine the digital inclusive education, and digital inclusion.We have to turn towards digital medium. The key consideration is to build trust in the digital education system. This is the time to reconsider the infrastructure readiness for the crises in educational institutes and new normal has to be prepared.

Ms. Wang Qianting, China Media Group, Beijing, stated that China has taken sufficient measures.We are practicing tests at every educational institute. We monitor the temperature twice a day, even AI robots are also active for testing COVID-19 and especial vehicles have been arranged for the people.

Professor Xu Wenhong, Institute of Russian, East European & Central Asian Studies, China Academy of Social Sciences (CASS), Beijing, China stated that before opening the education institutes it is important to record travel history of students and facultyand to instruct the parents about the threat of the pandemic. All the educational institutions have reasonable planning including medical supplies and medical centers. After the reopening of the educational institutes, controlling an emergency program has been made in China. It should be in law to wear masks.

Mr. Zoltán Dubéczi, Secretary General, Hungarian Rectors Conference, Budapest, Hungary stated that during the pandemic, Hungary made global analysis and experience. In Hungary, the high official’s meetings are being conducted regularly to revisit the educational plan. Hungarian universities have organized online courses. All new challenges are being handled well by the Hungarian educational institutes.The exams of universities will be decided by the university management. Hungarian medical universities have started comprehensive COVID-19 screening tests in Hungry that are supported by the Ministry for innovation & technology in seven regions of the country. Special attention is payed to elders and the once with chronic illness.

The Webinar was attended by approximately 65 participants and was moderated by Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Taimur Akram (Retd), Executive Director, CGSS.=DNA

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Japanese envoy welcomes Afghan power sharing accord

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ISLAMABAD, MAY 18 (DNA) – Matsuda Kuninori, the Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, welcomes the signing of power-sharing deal between H.E. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, President of Afghanistan, and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah on May 17 in Kabul as a possible breakthrough in the Afghan peace process, signaling the end of months-long stalemate after the latest presidential election.

On this occasion, Ambassador MATSUDA reaffirms that the Government of Japan strongly hopes that the intra-Afghan negotiations will make a steady and constructive progress toward an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned durable and comprehensive peace.

The ambassador also reiterates that Government of Japan will continue to actively contribute to the peace and stability of Afghanistan in collaboration with the international community and looks forward to working closely with Pakistan.

Japan has continuously supported the host communities of Afghan refugees in Pakistan especially in the fields of health, education, and water and sanitation. Our total assistance for Afghan refugees in Pakistan provided through UNHCR amounts to USD 160 million for the past 36 years.=DNA

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Sardoba dam site restoration work to be completed by Sept 1

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TASHKNET (DNA) -As stated earlier, on May 1, 2020, Sardoba dam wall in Syrdarya region saw the partial collapse. As a result of emergency situation, 2,570 private houses and 76 apartment buildings in Sardoba, Mirzaabad and Akaltyn districts were destroyed; 1,781 private houses and 52 apartment buildings were partially flooded. 70 social, production and service facilities, around 20 thousand hectares of agricultural land, 828 kilometers of roads, networks of electricity, gas and water supply, communication were also partially destroyed.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited affected areas four times during which he met with local people and oversaw restoration works. Uzbek Leader’s order foresees not only restoration works, but also improvement of local communities living conditions.

New housing, social facilities and new jobs are to be created. Particularly, 3 residential districts comprising 5 store builds and 2,640 apartments will be built for people in Mirzaabad, Sardobinsky and Akaltynsky districts whose houses have become completely unsuitable for living. Government will oversee restoration and construction works for people free of charge.

Along with this, the land under the destroyed houses will remain at the disposal of their owners.

305 construction companies’ teams and around 12 thousand workers arrived to Syrdarya from all across Uzbekistan to help execute restoration of survived facilities.
During his latest visit to Syrdarya region, on May 15, President of Uzbekistan laid the first stone of the new Dustlik makhalla in Sardoba district. 37 multi-storey buildings comprising 1,480 apartments will be build in this makhalla.

By September 1, people will be able to relocate to new apartments and their mended homes.

Citizens affected from flooding in Syrdarya region

will receive financial assistance

More than 65 thousand out of 90 thousand people evacuated from flooded areas in Syrdarya region due to partial dam collapse in Sardoba district returned back to their homes.

Great efforts and means have been mobilized for their restoration and repair. Workers of the Ministry of Emergency Situation, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Defense along with Uzbekistan National Guard are putting great efforts.
Besides, local people started to receive financial assistance on behalf of the President.

Particularly, each out of about 4,5 thousand homeowners affected from the flood will be given 40 million soums and gifts comprising household appliances, including television sets, refrigerators, washing machines, mini-furnaces, electric kettles, and irons.
Khokimiyats, ministries and government entities, business associations and entrepreneurs are also proving their support to local communities.

Local citizens are being handed over money certificates and corresponding bank cards with fund.

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