Adnan Siddiqui mocking Sarfraz Ahmed’s speech impairment has Twitter aflame
LAHORE (DNA) – Veteran actor Adnan Siddiqui was severely criticized by Twitterati for mocking former Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed’s speech impairment in a game show.
Adnan and Sarfraz – captains of Lahore and Quetta Knights respectively in the PSL inspired format – exchanged jibes in the program but the actor crossed some moral lines.
The 50-year-old – who was recently upset over Aamir Liaquat’s ‘crass’ and ‘insensitive’ sense of humor – made fun of Sarfraz Ahmed’s stuttering which enraged and disappointed the Twittersphere.
Adnan Siddiqui was bashed for his ‘inappropriate joke’ and several believed that his conduct was ‘below the belt,’ ‘insensitive’ and ‘ugly.’ The users also demanded him to apologize publicly from Sarfraz Ahmed.
Wood willing to spend nine weeks in England camp
LONDON (DNA) – England fast bowler Mark Wood has said he is prepared to spend more than two months away from his family if that s what it takes to play this season s home international series amid the coronavirus pandemic.
According to a report in the Guardian, the plan is for the squad to be kept in an isolation bubble so as to reduce the risk of players contracting COVID-19, with daily temperature checks and swabs also part of the regime.
Plans are now being discussed for England to play six Tests, six ODIs and six T20s in just over two months from the start of July, with the centrepiece two three-Test series against the West Indies and Pakistan.
The start of the English cricket has been delayed until July 1 at the earliest by the pandemic, with the West Indies series already postponed from its original June dates.
Trying to salvage lucrative men s internationals is the priority for the England and Wales Cricket Board, with chief executive Tom Harrison warning a complete wipeout of the 2020 season could cost the governing body 380 million pound ($469 million).
England players can be with their families between matches during a standard home season, but Wood said what was being proposed was not that different from a tour schedule.
“I d be willing to do it,” he told reporters in a conference call on Thursday.
“Being away on tour for long periods of time you sort of get used to it.
“It would be very hard but as long as the environment is safe, my family are safe and everybody else there is safe then I d be willing to do it,” added Wood, currently in lockdown with his wife and baby son.
Some 30 players could be chosen for a run of six Tests behind closed doors staged at the Ageas Bowl, the headquarters of southern county Hampshire, and Manchester s Old Trafford.
Both venues are considered to have greater bio-security than other Test match grounds thanks to the presence of on-site hotels.
Meanwhile Wood said he and his team-mates were “desperate” to get going again.
“I think everybody in the squad, as long as the conditions are right, would be willing to come back and play some cricket.”
“We re desperate to get going. I know it would be a long stint and it would be hard but it would be good to get back out there at the same time.”
Wood has played just 15 Tests in five years since a 2015 debut, with his career blighted by injuries, including ankle and side problems.
But he insisted the proposed new schedule, which could feature six Tests in seven weeks, would not put him at a greater risk of breaking down and that he had no expectation of appearing in all the matches even if they had been played as scheduled.
“I wouldn t have played every game, I d be in and out of the side to manage my workload and manage my body,” he said.
“I think that will probably be the same for the all the fast bowlers, as long as we ve got a good pool which I think we have at the moment. Coming in and out of the side shouldn t be a problem.”
But Wood said it would feel strange being unable to go home if he wasn t in the Test side.
“We ve never been in these circumstances before where we don t know what s going to happen on the down days — I guess you can t just go home, so maybe you ll have to train in small groups,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see how it does work.”
India to accept quarantine to save Australia Test series
SYDNEY (DNA) – India’s cricket team is prepared to undergo quarantine to salvage a money-spinning Test series against Australia, a top official said Friday, but there was less optimism about this year’s Twenty20 World Cup taking place Down Under.
Virat Kohli’s men are scheduled to contest a four Test series in Australia towards the end of the year but will need to isolate for two weeks under current COVID-19 rules.
Board of Control for Cricket in India treasurer Arun Dhumal said the Test team were willing to make that sacrifice to save the series, which cash-strapped Cricket Australia desperately needs to replenish its coffers.
“There is no choice — everyone will have to do that (quarantine). You would want to resume the cricket,” Dhumal told Fairfax newspapers.
“Two weeks is not that long a lockdown.”
Australia this month dethroned India as the world’s top-ranked Test team, setting up the series as a blockbuster rivalry.
The series would also generate hundreds of millions of dollars for a host organisation struggling during the coronavirus shutdown.
Revenue from the series is so important to Cricket Australia that it has proposed adding a fifth Test, which would mean ditching a one-off Test against Afghanistan in November.
Dhumal said it was “too early” to make a call on extending the Test series, suggesting Indian broadcasters would prefer more limited overs matches instead because they generate more money.
“They will want to have revenue and revenue most likely will come from ODIs or T20s much more than a Test match,” he said.
While it would be relatively straightforward for Australia’s government to allow the Indian team to enter the country for a bilateral series, Dhumal said staging the 16-nation T20 World Cup was another matter.
He also questioned whether elite players would be ready for the October tournament.
“They will have been out of cricket for a long time. Would you want to be without training for that long and straight away go and play World Cup?” he asked.
“That is a call every board has to take. It seems to be difficult.”
KP govt announces to open small markets and shops
PESHAWAR (DNA) – Following the decisions made by Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding lifting of lockdown in the country in phases, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday announced to open small markets and shops.
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Friday, Adviser to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Information and Public Relation Ajmal Wazir said that the KP government will reopen educational institutions according to the decision of the federal government. He said, “We will not take an independent decision in this regard.”
The provincial minister said that the lockdown in the province will be eased in phases, adding that all small shops and markets will be open for five days from Saturday.
The information adviser said that in the second phase of the construction sector the shops of steel, paint, aluminum hardware, PVC pipe and sanitary shops would be opened, adding that all vendors will ensure compliance with SOPs.
Ajmal Wazir said that the ban on shopping malls, restaurants, wedding halls and venues would remain in place across the province.
Earlier, he said that the provincial government is extending all out support to the media persons affected by coronavirus in the province.
The provincial adviser said this while handing over dispatching relief packages for affected media men in Peshawar.
Ajmal Wazir urged media personnel to execute their responsibilities with devotion and support the government in defeating coronavirus.
He lauded the performance of journalists in creating public awareness against corona epidemic as a part of frontline worker.
Previously, People from all walks of life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) welcomed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s decision of easing lockdown restrictions in phases from Saturday, terming it as a landmark decision that would help in addressing the financial problems of the poor segments of the society.
Provincial Minister for Environment and Forests Syed Ishtiaq Urmar welcomed the decision the premier took after chairing a high-level meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NOC) in Islamabad, and maintained that lifting the lockdown in phases would help the downtrodden, daily wagers, labourers and poor segments of the society.
He said that allowing small markets and shops to open from dawn to 5 pm would help hundreds of thousands of shopkeepers and retailers in supporting their families.
Economic and business expert Sumbul Riaz also appreciated the decision regarding opening of businesses and termed it as a big step forward towards creation of employment opportunities for thousands of labourers in the construction industry.
She said that coronavirus lockdown had badly affected the country’s exports and economy and the decision of easing lockdown would help wipe out poverty and create jobs for youth.
Pakistan reports 599 coronavirus fatalities, 26,435 cases
LAHORE (DNA) – Pakistan confirmed five more deaths from novel coronavirus in one day as the nationwide tally of fatalities has jumped to 599 and positive cases to 26,435, Dunya News reported on Friday.
According to the latest figures by the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), 598 persons have been tested positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours.
Pakistan has so far conducted 257,247 coronavirus tests and 11,993 in last 24 hours.
PROVINCE-WISE DETAILS
Punjab remains the worst-hit province by the pandemic followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Till now 10,033 coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Punjab, 9,691 in Sindh, 3,956 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 1,725 in Balochistan, 558 in Islamabad, 394 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 78 in Azad Kashmir.
RECOVERIES
7,530 coronavirus patients have recovered in the country whereas many are in critical condition.
PHASED LIFTING OF LOCKDOWN
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced phased lifting of the coronavirus lockdown from May 9.
After chairing the National Coordination Committee (NCC) meeting, the premier briefed the nation over the COVID-19 situation.
Imran Khan said, “By the grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan did not face pressure like other countries. Now we have to ease down the restrictions.”
Following are the important decisions made by the NCC:
Markets to Open for Five Days a Week
Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Asad Umar said that the markets will open for five days a week.
He said that small markets and shops in mohallas and rural areas will be allowed to open from Fajar to 5 pm.
The minister said the entire business, except outlets of essential items like food and medicines will remain closed for two days in a week.
Educational Institutions to Remain Closed Till 15 July
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood said that the educational institutions will remain closed till 15 July.
He said that all the board examinations have been cancelled and students will be promoted to the next class and they can get admission in colleges and universities on the basis of their previous result. For example, a student can get admission in a university on the basis of his 11th class result.
Reopening of Industry
Federal Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar outlined plans to gradually reopen industries.
He said it has been unanimously decided to open allied industries of the construction sector, which include paint and pipe mills, tiles, electrical and industry and hardware stores across Pakistan.
Hamad Azhar said that the shops of essential commodities have already been opened and pipe mills, paint manufacturing, ceramics, tile shops will now open. In addition, electrical cable, steel and aluminum shops will open.
The minister said that the hardware stores will also open, while shops in markets and neighborhoods have also been allowed to open. “Shops will be closed 2 days a week,” he said.
Pakistan President thanks Azerbaijan President for support
President Arif Alvi phones Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev; greets him for successful NAM summit
DNA
ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi held a telephonic conversation with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to discuss matters related to the Covid-19 Pandemic, and enhancing bilateral cooperation to jointly address the situation. President congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on his timely initiative and successful convening of the Non-Aligned Movement’s Summit-level Contact Group meeting on the theme “United against COVID-19” on 4 May 2020.
In this regard, President briefed President Aliyev about the latest situation of COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan and the steps being taken by the Government for containment of the disease.
President thanked for Azerbaijan’s support for Pakistan’s efforts in preventing and combating COVID-19 outbreak.
He also thanked Azerbaijan for facilitating repatriation of stranded Pakistanis. While underscoring importance of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call for Global Initiative for Debt Relief for developing countries, President Alvi reiterated the need for close cooperation to mitigate the impact of the economic slowdown and devote more resources to manage the crisis. The President appreciated Azerbaijan’s support for the Initiative. Emphasizing the close fraternal ties between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, the President reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen bilateral cooperation in all fields. President Alvi expressed deep concerns over spread of COVID-19 in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ &K) due to continued restrictions on movement and lack of unfettered access to medical and other supplies. President Alvi said that Covid-19 was being used as another excuse to discriminate against Muslim across India. He highlighted that India was trying to change the domicile rules in IOJ&K. He added that the basic purpose of this strategy was to alter demographic structure in IOJ&K which is against the 4th Geneva Convention. Noting the motivated campaign to demonize Indian Muslims in the context of the Covid-19, the President emphasized that it should be rejected by the international community. The President of Azerbaijan expressed his deep concern over the human rights violations in India held Kashmir and said his country strongly supported Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir. He further stated that Azerbaijan considered Pakistan its close friend and would continue to support it at every forum. President Ilham Aliyev thanked the Government of Pakistan for supporting his country’s stance on Nagorno-Karabakh. The two Presidents agreed to remain engaged on all issues of mutual interest.
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PTCL Ramazan Ration Drive for Coronavirus affected families across Pakistan
DNA
Islamabad, May 08, 2020:Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), embarks upon a massive Ramazan ration drive to provide relief for families affectedduring the Coronavirus pandemic. The ration drive initiative will becovering 25 cities across Pakistan in the coming days.
The ration packs for an entire month comprising ofessential food items, were distributed amongst a few beneficiary families at a special ceremony organized at District Commissioner (DC) Office, Kohat. The ceremony was attended by senior management from PTCL, along with high-ranking officers of the KP Government.Majority of the ration distribution was conducted by the District Administration at the Mohammadzai Union Council of Kohat. This ceremony marks the 1st phase of the ration drive that will continue throughout the month of Ramazan.
On the occasion,Zia ullah Bangash, Advisor to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), said, “We are grateful and much obliged at the support given by PTCL and its staff who have generously contributed to help the nation in these trying times. We appreciatetheir contribution and efforts at this time in needand I would also like to pay tribute to the services that they are providing to keep the country connected.”
Syed Mazhar Hussain, Chief Human Resource Officer, PTCL, said, “PTCL remains at the forefront in supporting the nation during the ongoing pandemic. Our PTCL Razakaar force is committed to serve communities across the country through determination and hard work.I am proud of PTCL employees, who voluntarily donated a portion of their salary to the PTCL Razakaar Trust to support this ration drive. We, as a national company, take pride in being socially responsible by taking proactive measures to help the people of Pakistan.” The Ramazan ration drive aims to helpaffected families to observe this holy month in its true spirit. PTCL continues to contribute to the society with its humanitarian activities and stand with people of Pakistan to get through this crisis together
Govt will facilitate students: Shafqat
Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood has assured students that government will do everything to facilitate them.
In a series of tweets, he said the decision for canceling board exams has been taken reluctantly in the larger interest of safety of students.
The Minister said we will answer all queries of students on Monday as they have sought a number of clarifications after Board exam cancellation, especially those who were giving composite class 12 exam or hoped to do better in 12 class compared to their performance in class 11 or reappear, and private students or those having supplementaries. He said examination of class nine is no issue as these students can take composite exam of class 10.
Taking notice of fee raise by Lahore University of Management Sciences, Shafqat Mahmood said he has seen reports that LUMS has increased its fee by 41 percent, if true, this is unacceptable. He said LUMS is a premier educational institution of the country and needs to take lead in giving relief to students rather than burdening them and their parents even further.
He said the Supreme Court has given a formula for annual five to eight percent increase in school fees. He, however, said universities may have different compulsions and may need a somewhat greater increase but a sudden 41 percent increase by LUMS is beyond comprehension. He urged LUMS management to reconsider its decision.
Rights violations in Held Kashmir : President AJK briefs French Media
MUBAHSHAR BHATTI
PARIS. In a virtual meeting with French media, academia, think tanks, human rights organizations, and civil society, President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan said that India was using the cover of coronavirus pandemic to break the will of Kashmiris by denying them their right to self-determination and by altering the status of the internationally recognized disputed region.
The virtual video conference was convened by the Embassy of Pakistan, Paris in which the Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mr. Moin ul Haque, prominent French media persons, scholars, intellectuals and civil society representatives participated.
The President AJK in his address contrasted the worldwide Covid-19 lockdowns to save the people from deadly pandemic with the 9-month old lockdown in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir where 8 million Kashmiris were virtually under siege like conditions, without access to food, education, medicine, livelihood and freedom of movement and speech.
He also apprised the participants of Indian attempts to change the demography of the disputed region first by unilaterally and illegally revoking Article 370 and 35A of its Constitution and later through new domicile law, which were in contravention of several resolutions of the United Nations Security Council which forbade both India and Pakistan to unilaterally change the status of the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sardar Masood Khan also called upon the world leaders, intellectuals and media persons to take notice of the atrocities committed by Indian security forces against innocent Kashmiris and raise their voice for the resolution of the dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and wishes of the people of Kashmir.
The President AJK also responded to several questions raised by the participants.
