Monday, May 31, 2021

Babar calls ECP’s scrutiny panel ‘fact-hiding committee’

  Akbar S Babar, a disgruntled member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), on Monday said the sub-committee of the scrutiny committee of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had failed to provide his legal team with the bank statements of PTI's accounts. Talking to media after the hearing, he said the scrutiny committee was hiding the facts against the orders of the ECP, terming the fact-finding committee a "fact-hiding committee". "We are going to do in 55 hours what the scrutiny committee could not do in three-and-a-half years." Questions are being raised about the integrity of the ruling party, Babar said, adding that "the stifling environment created by the government to hide the facts will end soon". The sub-committee, in its last meeting, reviewed the financial documents of the ruling party. The perusal process had ended as the ECP had allowed only 40 hours for the scrutiny of PTI accounts by two financial analysts nominated by Babar. Earlier, Babar had registered a petition against committee's February 9 order to keep the PTI financial documents secret, including the ruling party’s 23 bank statements revealed on the instructions of the State Bank of Pakistan. The petitioner had demanded perusal of all original accounts requisitioned through the SBP which had not been disclosed by the scrutiny committee. On May 21, Babar had questioned the logic of ECP scrutiny committee’s refusal to allow perusal of original PTI bank statements. Babar had claimed he would present the facts before the election commission in the next few days which would bring a “billion tsunami”. He said the scrutiny committee could not complete the probe in three years while they were given only 40 hours for the examination of PTI accounts. He said they would acquire the details of the ruling party’s private accounts no matter if they had to approach the top court for the purpose.

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SEZs will be futile if industries not installed timely: NA body

The Parliamentary Committee on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has observed that the establishment of the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) would be futile, if industries are not installed there timely. The 37th meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC held under the chairmanship of MNA Sher Aftab Ali was informed that issues pertaining to sale and cancellation of plots in SEZs need to be resolved at the earliest so that the process of establishing industries in SEZs could be expedited. MNAs Noor Alam Khan, Sadaqat Ali Khan Abbasi, Mir Khan Muhammad Jamali, Nafeesa Inayatullah Khan Khattak, Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Mehnaz Akber Aziz, Muhammad Aslam Bhootani and others were in attendance. The committee emphasised on the need to move towards ease of doing business so as to attract massive local and foreign direct investment in Pakistan. The committee was briefed by additional secretary of Ministry of Planning, secretaries of Ministry of Defence, Board of Investment, Power Division, Petroleum Division, Ministry of Railways and others regarding security measures for projects under CPEC framework, Mainline-1 (ML-1) project with special focus on ET component and updated progress on SEZs. Also read SEZs to create 1.47m jobs The committee highlighted that quarters concerned should incentivise industries in SEZs in such a way that the SEZs established in Pakistan could compete with other countries in the region. Moreover, apart from focusing on agriculture and industrial sectors, the untapped potential in tourism should also be exploited. A lot of revenue and employment opportunities can be generated by establishing integrated tourism zones in the country under CPEC framework. The committee, while receiving the briefing on security measures for projects under CPEC framework, maintained that issues faced by SEZs in terms of security measures affect businesses. Measures which could thrive businesses in Pakistan should be made our top priority because economic stability will lead to peace and security in Pakistan. The goals envisaged under CPEC cannot be achieved without local ownership therefore issues faced by locals in terms of security arrangements should be resolved at the earliest so that local ownership of CPEC projects could be secured. While passing through security check posts, locals as well tourists should be dealt with politeness and their self-respect should be maintained. The committee remarked that the world is increasingly moving towards adoption of modern technologies. Adding Electric Traction (ET) component in Mainline-1 (ML-1) project after eight to 10 years would become obsolete and costly. Given the huge benefit of ET component in ML-1 in terms of its payback, cost and compatibility with environment, “we need to move towards its adoption right from now and upgrade existing infrastructure of project to the electric traction”.

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When facts admitted, no need for inquiry: SC judges

As Supreme Court on Monday resumed hearing of a petition against removal of the former Islamabad High Court (IHC) judge, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) two years ago, one member of the bench, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, observed that when facts are admitted, there is no need for a proper inquiry. “It’s happening in every department that when facts are admitted, there is no need for an inquiry,” Justice Ahsan remarked. Justice Umar Ata Bandial, who is heading a five-judge larger bench, also endorsed Justice Ahsan’s view, saying that when facts are admitted, there is no need for cross examination. Justice Ahsan noted that perhaps the SJC had proceeded on the fact that contents of the sacked judge's speech were not disputed. Another judge, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood also noted that when facts are admitted, there is no need for an inquiry. Earlier, sacked judge’s counsel Hamid Khan contended that the SJC removed petitioner without conducting a proper inquiry. “Even a show-cause notice was issued without following the procedure,” he added. “A judge should not be thrown out without an inquiry,” Khan said. “There is a need to conduct inquiry on the allegations levelled by the petitioner in his speech.” However, the bench questioned, “Is it not unbecoming of a judge to level allegations against his own chief justice.” Khan replied that there are hundreds of precedents wherein a judge spoke with bar associations. However, leading judge Justice Bandial noted that perhaps he was referring to former CJP Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry’s speeches in bar associations when he was deposed in March 2007. Justice Bandial told the counsel that the former CJP never accused anyone in his speeches as he only spoke about law but he was able to get public support. Justice Bandial asked the counsel to read out Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui’s speech on the basis of which he was removed. When Khan was going to start reading, the bench adjourned the hearing until tomorrow (Wednesday).SJC opinion On July 31, 2018, the SJC issued a show-cause notice to Justice Siddiqui on a reference for making unnecessary and unwarranted comments at the Rawalpindi District Bar Association by accusing the establishment of manipulating the judicial proceedings. He was removed as judge of the IHC in October 2018. In his speech at the Rawalpindi District Bar Association on July 21, 2018, Justice Siddiqui targeted the country’s top spy agency and accused it of manipulating the judicial proceedings. The SJC unanimously stated that while delivering the speech before the District Bar Association in Rawalpindi on July 21, Siddiqui displayed conduct unbecoming of a high court judge. Terming Siddiqui of guilty of misconduct, it stated that therefore, he was liable to be removed from his office under Article 209 (6) of the Constitution. Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who is the senior most among SC judges, wrote in the 39-page report that Justice Siddiqui did not even spare the Supreme Court when he remarked that he knew who sent messages to the apex court and who delivered them. Such reckless and irresponsible conduct of a high court judge was “not countenanced by any standard of judicial propriety and the Code of Conduct in this country is no exception in that regard”, the report stated. The council also questioned the justice’s motive for meeting with army officials.Justice Siddiqui’s petition In his petition, Justice Siddiqui contended that he had been sacked without a proper inquiry to prove the claims he made during his controversial speech at the Rawalpindi District Bar Association. Challenging his removal, Siddiqui raised serious allegations of “bias” against the former CJP, who was also the SJC chairman. In the 30-page appeal, the former judge explained the context in which he was compelled to address the bar association and utter remarks about alleged involvement of certain officers from the executive organ of the state in affairs of the judiciary and alleged manipulation in formation of benches. “The remarks made by the petitioner [Mr Siddiqui] were an honest attempt demanded by his conscience to counter the challenges posed to the independence of judiciary,” the appeal argued. In the appeal, Justice Siddiqui recalled how he had issued orders on June 29 and August 18 to clear roads and a green belt outside the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) headquarters. Consequently, he added, a senior official of the ISI — named in the petition — visited him at his residence and asked him to review the decision and when he refused, expressed annoyance. Subsequently, the appeal said, another high-ranking official of the ISI — also named in the petition — approached the former judge at his residence on June 29 to apologise for the conduct of his subordinate and suggested some guidance to protect the prestige of the institution by modifying the orders. The petition said the former judge had explained that he could not go beyond his orders and, therefore, the same should be respected and implemented unless set aside or modified by the Supreme Court. Seeing his reluctance, the petition contended, the high-ranking official agreed and assured that the ISI would proceed in accordance with the law, but requested others present in the room to leave as he intended to talk to the former judge in private. Thereafter, the petition said, the ISI official inquired about the procedure of hearing of appeals filed by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in the high court against his conviction by an accountability court.

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PBC meeting proposed on govt’s review plea against Isa

A Balochistan representative in the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) on Monday proposed to convene a meeting of the All Pakistan Lawyers Representatives Convention forthwith to discuss the latest situation arising out after the filing of the latest government reference against Supreme Court Justice Qazi Faez Isa. Munir Kakar, who is the only elected member from Balochistan in the apex regulatory body of lawyers, the PBC, has written a letter to PBC Vice Chairman Khush Dil Khan. The letter stated that the federal government's move to file a curative review petition to challenge the Supreme Court’s April 26 order — wherein Justice Isa and superior bars review petitions were allowed against June 19, 2020 order — was based on ‘ulterior motives’. Read more Govt seeks support against Isa Kakar believed the government’s review petition was apparently aimed to suppress the independence of judiciary and target hateful contents against lawyers in social media. Therefore, he proposed a meeting of the PBC to consider the government’s move regarding filing of the second review petition. The PBC member also suggested that the meeting of the convention should be convened immediately to discuss other important issues, including propaganda being conducted against judiciary and advocates and attacks being made on the independence of media.

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Kuwait starts issuing work visas to Pakistanis: Fawad

kuwait-work-visas-issuance-pakistanis

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said Kuwait has started issuing work visas to Pakistanis after a ten-year-long suspension, ARY News reported. 

In a series of tweets, Fawad Chaudhry said, Pakistan’s recovery from the coronavirus has stunned the world. The positivity rate across the country has dropped down to below 4 per cent expect Karachi.

“Salaried class to get big relief in the upcoming budget,” he added in his tweet and vowed that Pakistan will continue to prosper in the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan in the upcoming two years.

Read more: Kuwait allows visas for Pakistan after decade-long ban

The decision to restore Kuwaiti visas for Pakistanis after about a decade-long suspension had been taken during a meeting between Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed.

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Oman allows expats to convert visit visas to work permit

Oman-expats-visit-visas-work-permit

MUSCAT: Expatriates coming to Oman on visit visas can now convert them into work permits, according to a newly amended Foreigners’ Residence Law issued by the Inspector-General of Police and Customs.

The newly amended law will enable many who come to Oman on family joining visas or visit visas, to change it to a work visa without the hassle of exiting the country.

Media reports said the decision issued by Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shraiqi is also applicable to those on family-joining visas, and student visas.

As per the announcement of the amended law, the visas that can be converted include visit visas issued to residents of GCC countries, visit visas issued to meet friends and relatives, single-entry tourist visas (valid for up to 10 days or a month), single and multiple-entry business visas, express visas, investor visas, student visas, visas provided to sailors serving onboard ships or passengers aboard cruise ships and visas issued to owners of residential units of freehold properties and their family members.

Oman is yet to start issuing new visas, including visit visas, which have remained closed since May first week. It is expected that the visa services will resume shortly.

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ECC green-lights Rs20b for Chinese vaccine

The government on Monday approved Rs20 billion budget for the procurement of 10 million doses of made-in-China vaccines, and handed over the responsibility to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Earlier, the Ministry of Health was tasked with such matters.  The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet approved the technical supplementary grant of $130 million that is equal to approximately Rs20 billion for procurement of vaccines, the Ministry of Finance said.  It added that the money will be given to the National Disaster Management Fund to ensure timely procurement of the coronavirus vaccine for effective national response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  A single dose would cost $13 or Rs2,002, bringing the price of two jabs per person to Rs4,004, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.  The ECC was informed that the third wave of Covid-19 was more challenging than the first two ones.  The funds will be utilised for the procurement of 10 million doses of Covid vaccine during the month of June 2021, said the finance ministry.  During the new financial year, the need for additional funds will be reviewed and additional funds will be provided accordingly, it added. Initially, the NDMA had sought $500 million grant for the procurement of vaccines between June and December this year. However, the Ministry of Finance agreed to give only $130 million or Rs20 billion for this fiscal year and promised to consider subsequent need of additional funds in the next fiscal year.  The finance ministry again asked the NDMA to seek external loans for the procurement of vaccines instead of requesting money from the budget. The option to reimburse the expenditures on vaccine procurements by the international financial institutions may also be explored, the finance ministry advised.  The administration of vaccine shall be the responsibility of the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination and Provincial Health Departments but the vaccines will be procured by the NDMA.  Unlike past when the $150 million had been given to the Ministry of National Health Services and Regulations, this time funds are approved to be directly provided to the NDMA. The summary was also moved by the NDMA instead of the health ministry.  The National Coordination Committee on Covid-19 approved to make the NDMA a lead agency for vaccine procurement in the future. The NDMA has been tasked to arrange doses for 70 million population by December 2021.  The estimates based on the current government secured prices suggests that vaccine for 70 million population shall cost $1.5 billion, the ECC was informed.  The NDMA will procure Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines in June, manufactured by China. The Sinopharm is the only Chinese vaccine that has been approved by the World Health Organisation.  To vaccinate 70 million people, the government has a plan to procure 122 million doses, including 1.5 million to keep in reserves, according to the plan approved by the NCOC.  Of these, 20 million will be single-shot Cansino doses and 101 million manufactured by Sinopharm and Sinovac.  However, the ECC was informed that except Sinopharm, no other Chinese vaccine meets the financial eligibility criteria set by the ADB and the WB for lending.  There are three broad criteria: vaccines must be selected through the Gavi-funded Covax programme, approved by the World Health Organisation and authorised by the European regulatory authorities. The WB and the ADB have so far committed to provide $253 million in loan to procure vaccines. The WB has already approved $153 million last month through restructuring of Pandemic Response Effectiveness Project. The ADB is expected to approve a $100 million loan for vaccine procurement on June 5, the sources said.  In addition to these committee loans, the ADB, AIIB and Islamic Development Bank have promised to give $470 million for procurement of vaccines.  About 20% of the eligible population will be vaccinated through COVAX but its supplies remain uncertain. As against the allocation of 14.7 million doses, only 1.23 million were received till end of May. The GAVI has not yet shared the schedule for supplies of remaining vaccines, according to the NDMA.  

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Govt ‘insensitive’ to people’s plight, says Shehbaz

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was acting “insensitive” to the plight of the masses. Slamming the government for being "unaware" of the troubles confronting a common man, the PML-N leader said that a large number of people were hungry and unemployed, adding that the increasing inflation had badly impacted their livelihoods. "The rulers continue to paint a positive picture of their economic performance whereas the people are not even capable to feed themselves twice a day," Shehbaz said. "People are facing shortage of essential commodities such as flour, wheat, sugar, vegetables, milk and medicines." Expressing concerns over the rising inflation, Shehbaz said, "price of flour has increased by Rs57 per kg, which amounts to an increase of 73%. The price of sugar has gone up to Rs120 and Rs130". Also read SC admits govt plea against LHC decision on Shehbaz Earlier, Shehbaz alleged that the PTI-led government had shown wrong and exaggerated economic figures to the nation terming it a “betrayal” to the people. He said that every week since February 25, prices of commodities had risen by 13%. He claimed that rates of products had gone up by 17% over the year while the price of food items had surged by 14%. “It has destroyed the middle class.” “Imran Khan is running the country only for his friends.” However, the PML-N president did not mention any names. “The PTI has left five million people unemployed and 20 million in abject poverty.” He maintained that in a thriving economy, “inflation lowers, employment boosts, and government builds school, hospitals and initiate projects”.Home horizontal 1 and pak

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Chile approves Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for teenagers

Chile Pfizer BioNTech vaccine teenagers

Chile’s public health regulator on Monday approved the use of Pfizer and BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for teenagers, it said in a statement, as the country races to hit a target of herd immunity by July.

The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has already been rolled out in Chile for those 17 and older since emergency approval was granted in December and will now be offered for children aged 12 to 16, the ISP regulator said.

The ISP said its decision followed similar authorization granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency.

The ISP’s director, Heriberto Garcia, said the decision would help Chile hit its goal of herd immunity with 80% of the target population vaccinated by July.

“This is very good news for protecting our adolescents, who 14 days after two doses will have a very good immunity to go resume normal life,” he said.

So far, 10.5 million people – 69% of the target population – have received one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Chile, and 7.9 million, or 52.3%, have received two, according to health ministry figures.

The South American nation has just one month to reach another 4.6 million people who have yet to receive a single dose to hit its target to inoculate 15.2 million people by mid-year.

The government has stepped up efforts to convince reluctant citizens to get vaccinated, opening clinics at weekends, sending mobile clinics to building sites and farms and signing up sports stars and social media influencers for a public information campaign.

It has also rolled out a vaccination green card offering the vaccinated more freedom in lockdowns.

However, with COVID-19 case numbers still close to peak and hospitals near-capacity, Chile’s National College of Doctors said “imprudent decisions” had caused the government to “lose control” of virus transmission.

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India: Woman visits Facebook friend, gang-raped by 25 in forest

India Woman Facebook friend

A woman was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped by around 25 people in a forest in India’s Haryana.

The incident happened in Palwal district on May 3, however, the matter came to light last week when the victim lodged a complaint with Hasanpur police station against the accused persons.

The prime accused, identified as Sagar from Dehradun, has been arrested.

The victim said she was in contact with Sagar, who she befriended on Facebook. He asked her to meet him in Palwal on May 3 and when she reached the spot, his friends joined him.

They forcibly took her to a secluded place where they gang-raped her and after she became unconscious, they dumped her near the scrap godown at Badarpur.

She said the scrap dealer also raped her. The accused threatened her with dire consequences if she registered a complaint with the police, she added.

“The survivor is originally from Uttarakhand and was living in Delhi for her job. The main accused, Sagar is her friend and he asked her to meet at Hodal. On the pretext of taking her to his house, Sagar took her to a secluded place from where he and his aides forcibly took her to a forest and gang-raped her,” said a police officer.

“Meanwhile, the victim has been sent for a medical examination to a nearby hospital and reports are awaited. A manhunt has been launched to nab other accused. However, further probe into the matter is underway,” he added.

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VIDEO: Teenager spends six years digging underground house after fight with parents

Teenager dig underground house

After fighting with his parents, a teenager in Spain ended up digging a hole to channelise his anger.

In 2015, Andres Canto was just 14 when he fell out with his parents when they told him he couldn’t go out of the house wearing a tracksuit.

Annoyed and dejected, he grabbed a pickaxe and started digging up his garden to let off some steam.

He didn’t end after a few hours. Canto spent six years digging an underground cave beneath the garden. The teenager created his own oasis in La Romana, Alicante. The underground cave is now complete with a sitting room and a bathroom.

Canto, now 20, is happy with what he achieved. However, he can’t really understand what made him dig up his garden for six years.

“My parents wanted me to change clothes to go to the village, but I wanted to wear the tracksuit that I liked to wear at home so I could mess around in the village,” said Canto.

“They told me I could not go out dressed like this and I said: ‘No worries, I can entertain myself, and I went to the back of the property and started to dig a hole,” he added.

Canto said he worked in the cave every day after school and in his free time. The process sped up when his friend Andreu gave him a pneumatic drill.

The pair created a 3 metre deep cave after spending up to 14 hours a week digging. Now, the cave has Wi-Fi and fully-functional a heating system.

Canto went viral on social media after some of his cave videos received lakhs of views.

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Is it all Greek to you? Coronavirus variants get new names

coronavirus variant new names

Coronavirus variants with clunky, alphanumeric names have now been assigned the letters of the Greek Alphabet in a bid to simplify discussion and pronunciation while avoiding stigma.

The World Health Organization revealed the new names on Monday amid criticism that those given by scientists such as the so-called South African variant which goes by multiple names including B.1.351, 501Y.V2 and 20H/501Y.V2 were too complicated.

As such, the four coronavirus variants considered of concern by the U.N. agency and known generally by the public as the UK, South Africa, Brazil and India variants have now been given the letters Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta according to the order of their detection.

Other variants of interest continue down the alphabet.

“While they have their advantages, these scientific names can be difficult to say and recall, and are prone to misreporting,” said the WHO, explaining the decision.

The choice of the Greek Alphabet came after months of deliberations in which other possibilities such as Greek Gods and invented, pseudo-classical names were considered by experts, according to bacteriologist Mark Pallen who was involved in the talks.

But many were already brands, companies or alien names.

Another idea to refer to variants of concern as VOC1, VOC2 etc. was scrapped after he pointed out it resembled an English swear word.

Historically, viruses have often been associated with the locations from which they are thought to have emerged such as Ebola which is named after the eponymous Congolese river.

But this can be damaging for the places and often inaccurate such as with the so-called ‘Spanish flu’ pandemic of 1918 whose origins are unknown.

“No country should be stigmatized for detecting and reporting variants,” said WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove.

Before the new WHO scheme, some scientists had adopted their own simplified nomenclature for variants such as a February paper using bird names. However, it was criticised on the grounds that this could imperil birds and by the mother of a girl named ‘Robin’.

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Pakistan sees sharp decline in COVID cases, positivity rate

pakistan coronavirus cases decline

ISLAMABAD: The coronavirus cases are on the decline with every passing day as the positivity rate in Pakistan has dropped to its lowest 3.71 per cent during the third wave of the pandemic, ARY News reported on Tuesday.  

According to the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) data, as many as 1,771 new cases of the Covid-19 detected over the previous 24 hours. The overall country’s caseload stands at 922,824.

The death toll climbed to 20,850 after 71 more people succumbed to the disease.

A total of 47,633 samples were tested, out of which 1,771 turned out to be positive. The positivity rate of infections was recorded at 3.71%, the NCOC said.

Read more: ECC approves Rs20bn grant for procurement of COVID-19 vaccines

3,397 more people recuperated from the disease in the last 24 hours, taking the number of recovered patients to 844,638. The number of Covid-19 patients in critical care has come down to 3,842.

Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Punjab has reported a total of 340,110 cases, Sindh 318,579, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 132,822, Islamabad 81,257, Balochistan 25,218, Azad Jammu and Kashmir 19,250, and Gilgit Baltistan 5,588.

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FBR needs Rs790b to achieve target

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has so far collected Rs4.17 trillion in taxes, leaving it with a gigantic task of pooling an unprecedented Rs790 billion in the last month of current fiscal year to achieve the annual target. During the July-May period of the outgoing fiscal year, the FBR’s tax collection increased at a pace of 17.4% on a low base in the last quarter of the previous fiscal year. However, some key indicators like share of direct taxes in the total taxes and effective tax rate against the import value have deteriorated, showed the official statistics. Provisional results for July-May showed that the FBR collected Rs4.167 trillion - up by Rs618 billion or 17.4%. The collection fell short by Rs61 billion against the original target of Rs4.22 trillion set at the start of the fiscal year. The FBR has crossed the Rs4-trillion collection mark in its fourth attempt, including two made earlier during the tenure of the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan. As per FBR’s own plan, the Rs4-trillion mark should have been crossed in May 2018 - two months before the PTI came into power. The FBR now needs to collect Rs790 billion in June at a growth rate of 71% to achieve the annual target that became the base for setting the other budgetary targets and the share of provinces in the National Finance Commission. During April-June period of the last fiscal year, the economy had come to a standstill due to restrictions imposed to stop the spread of Covid-19. This caused negative 16% growth in the last fiscal year, which is now helping the FBR attain double-digit growth in this fiscal year. Read more: PM Imran commends FBR on crossing 'historical milestone' in tax collection This is evident from May’s collection. The FBR’s provisional results showed that it collected Rs385 billion in May this year, which was up by 68% over May last year due to closure of the economy. Anticipating the shortfall, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has downward revised its projections for the FBR collection to nearly Rs4.7 trillion for the current fiscal year. Some of the key indicators have further deteriorated, suggesting that the taxmen or the government had very little role in the tax collection. The share of direct taxes in total tax collection has further decreased to just 35.3% that a year ago was 37.2%. Similarly, the effective tax rate against the import value dropped to 23.9% as of end April this year, which at the end of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) tenure was 25.1%, showed the FBR data. The collection was almost equally made at the import stage where nearly one out of every two rupees was collected. One reason for decreasing effective rate at import is reduction in import duties to facilitate the industrial production. The increasing collection at the import stage and growing reliance on indirect taxes remain the two distinctive features of the FBR’s revenue performance in the first 11 months of current fiscal year. The share of the withholding taxes has also jumped to nearly 70% at the end of the last fiscal year. The income tax collected on demand by the FBR was mere Rs42 billion for fiscal year 2019-20 that at the end of the PML-N tenure was also very low at Rs76 billion. Indirect taxes have also contributed to higher prices, including those of sugar and edible oil. Tax-wise collection The FBR managed to exceed the sales tax and customs duty collection targets, but again missed the targets of income tax and federal excise duty. The FBR pooled Rs1.472 trillion in income tax in 11 months, which was higher by Rs153 billion or 11.5% over the same period of the last fiscal year, according to the provisional results. However, the tax machinery failed to achieve its original income tax target by a margin of Rs193 billion. The income tax collection was just 35.3% of the total collection and far less than the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) goal of increasing it to 45%. Under the head of sales tax, the FBR collected Rs1.77 trillion, showing a growth of 23%. The FBR exceeded its 11-month sales tax collection target by Rs87 billion. Out of the total sales tax collection, about 58% was collected at the import stage. The growing reliance on indirect taxes, which is also an easy source of collection, is hurting the poor most. The FBR also exceeded its customs duties target by Rs107 billion and collected Rs672 billion with a growth rate of 18%. During the last financial year 2019-20, an amount of Rs561 billion had been collected as customs duty in the first 11 months. Overall, Pakistan Customs collected Rs1.925 trillion at the import stage under the heads of customs duty, sales tax, withholding tax and federal excise duty, which is equal to 46.2% of the total FBR’s collection. The FBR collected Rs252 billion on account of federal excise duties - up by 11.5%. But it missed the 11-month target by Rs57 billion. Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2021. Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

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Swiss envoy calls for enhancing investment

Swiss companies working in Pakistan are satisfied with the business-friendly environment and are keen to enhance their investment, said Swiss Ambassador to Pakistan Benedict de Cerjat. During his visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the ambassador said that the political system in Switzerland was stable while regulations were pro-business. “Pakistani businessmen should come forward and join hands with Swiss counterparts to avail themselves of the opportunities,” he emphasised. Cerjat admitted that mutual trade did not reflect the real potential of the two countries. Suggesting improvement in trade ties, he said that exhibitions and exchange of trade delegations could help boost mutual trade. The envoy added that both countries should also work together on a green economy. He mentioned that global warming had become a serious issue and should be tackled through joint efforts. Read more: Pakistan greatly values its relations with Iraq: Qureshi He highlighted that the US, Germany, Italy and France were major trade partners of Switzerland, adding that the pharmaceutical industry in Switzerland was one of the most sophisticated and developed around the world. Speaking on the occasion, LCCI President Mian Tariq Misbah said that good relations should be translated into trade and economic ties for the benefit of both countries. He said that interaction between private sectors provided excellent opportunities for exploring new ways to expand trade and investment relations. Misbah lamented that Pakistan and Switzerland enjoyed good diplomatic relations, however, these relations were not reflected in figures of trade volume. Bilateral trade volume stood at $336 million in 2020, out of which Pakistan’s exports to Switzerland were only around $15 million. “This scenario seriously requires Pakistan to find new avenues for enhancing exports to Switzerland.” Misbah added that the potential areas where both countries could enhance trade and economic cooperation included pharmaceuticals, value-added textile, surgical instruments, sports goods, agriculture, technology, renewable energy, etc. The LCCI chief added, “The introduction of Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy and Electric Vehicle Policy by the government of Pakistan has provided a special opportunity for bringing new players and technology innovation in the country.” He stated that Switzerland was well known for its tourism. “Both countries should collaborate in exploiting the immense potential of the tourism sector in Pakistan,” Misbah said, adding that joint ventures between Pakistani and Swiss investors in the sector would create a win-win situation. Published in The Express Tribune, June 1st, 2021. Like Business on Facebook, follow @TribuneBiz on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.

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10 dams being built to overcome water shortage: PM Khan

PM Imran Khan Dam Construction

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Monday has said as many as 10 dams are being constructed to overcome water scarcity threat in the country, ARY News reported.

This he said while addressing an inaugural ceremony of Pakistan’s first Green Euro formally launched by the Water and Power Development Authority in Islamabad.

Regretting the lack of implementation of the decisions made in the country, PM Imran Khan said PTI government is initiating the projects today that were supposed to be launched 50 years ago.

“Lack of implementation is the biggest problem of Pakistan.”

PM Imran Khan congratulated the WAPDA for making inroads in the Mohmand and Bhasha dam projects and added that electricity would be generated after the construction of 10 dams in the upcoming ten years.

The premier said Pakistan was cruising on the path of development in the 1960s but later progress gone slow and even India and Bangladesh achieved more development as compared to Pakistan.

Imran Khan underlined the need for long-term planning for the upcoming generations.

Read more: ECC approves issuance of Eurobonds for Mohmand, Diamer Bhasha dams

On the Billion Tree Tsunami project, he vowed to achieve the target of planting 10 billion saplings until 2023.

The mass plantation will ultimately help in controlling the environmental hazards, he added.

Green Eurobond

WAPDA is issuing Green Eurobond to raise 500 million dollars for the financing of Diamar Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.

The Green Euro is being issued on the basis of WAPDA’s stable financial position instead of state-guarantee.

The world’s largest financial institutions have shown extraordinary interest in Green Eurobond which is a sign of confidence in the stable financial position of Pakistan and WAPDA as well.

The extraordinary response to Green Euro in the world financial market has opened new avenues for the financing of big projects in Pakistan.

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Pakistan to receive five mln doses of COVID-19 vaccines in June

Covid-19 vaccines, pakistan, june shipments

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan likely to receive consignments of various Covid vaccines in June with over five million doses, quoting sources, ARY News reported on Monday.

A PIA plane landed at Islamabad airport yesterday with about 500,000 Sinovac Covid vaccines, sources inside the health ministry confirmed the development.

The new consignment of Covid vaccines, was shifted to the office of the federal Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), from where the vaccine will be assigned to various vaccination centers.

In first 10 days of the next month the shipments of over 3.5 mln doses of the vaccines expected to reach Pakistan, which includes the batches of Sinovac, Sinopharm and CanSino vaccines, sources said.

Pakistan will likely to receive two consignments of COVID-19 vaccines from COVAX including Oxford AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines, according to sources.

A shipment of one million doses of Chinese made Sinopharm vaccine, purchased by Pakistan, will reach the country this week, sources said.

COVAX will also provide AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines in the beginning of June, according to sources.

Recently a special flight carrying the shipment of 100,000 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine landed in Pakistan. It was the second shipment of COVID-19 vaccines Pakistan received from COVAX as the first stock of Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine had arrived in the country earlier in May.

The country will receive second shipment of 12,38,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine in June. COVAX yet to inform about the quantity of Pfizer vaccine and a final date of delivery of the vaccine batches, health ministry sources said.

The health authorities have finalized arrangements for storage and transfer arrangements of the Pfizer vaccine, sources said.

“Ultra cold chain refrigerators have been arranged for storage of Pfizer vaccine, which could store the vaccine at minus 80 degree centigrade,” sources said.

According to sources, Pakistan has arranged 11.6 mln doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far.

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Shahroz Sabzwari marks anniversary with Sadaf Kanwal with hilarious video

Shahroz Sabzwari Wedding Anniversary

Shahroz Sabzwari and Sadaf Kanwal are celebrating their first anniversary and in Shahroz’s words, it’s “no run of the mill, lovey-dovey” day for the two… 

Marking his first wedding anniversary with the supermodel, Shahroz took to Instagram to share a hilarious video of Sadaf getting a COVID PCR test done. “No lovey-dovey run-of-the-mill anniversary post. A genuine why I love you so much video… cracks me up every single time haha,” he wrote.

 

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A post shared by Shahroz Sabzwari (@shahrozsabzwari)

Take notes, guys! Save the grand gestures and celebrate the things that actually matter… like finding someone you can laugh with and about.

Sadaf and Shahroz tied the knot last year in a small and intimate nikkah ceremony, just months after Shahroz finalized his divorce with ex-wife Syra Yousaf, with whom he shares daughter Nooreh.

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Covid-19 vaccination of citizens over 18 to start Thursday

covid vaccination over 18 years

ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided on Monday to start scheduling Covid-19 vaccination of citizens above 18 years of age from Thursday.

In a message on his official Twitter handle, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, who also heads the NCOC, said: “In today’s National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) meeting it was decided to start scheduling vaccination of registered 18 plus from thursday the 3rd of june.”

READ: Can people receiving Covid-19 vaccine die in next two years?

“With this step the vaccination of all eligible age groups would carried out,” he said, appealing to people to sign up for vaccination as soon as possible.

On May 27,  the government started registering citizens aged 18 and above for vaccination against Covid-19. People in the age bracket of 19 to 30 years were asked to register themselves by sending CNIC to 1166.

Also Read: Pakistan receives 500,000 more Chinese Sinovac vaccines

On Sunday, Asad Umar said that Pakistan set a new record of most vaccinations in a day after nearly 400,000 people received COVID jabs on Saturday. Taking to Twitter, Asad Umar said that over 383,000 people received COVID jabs on Saturday, setting a new record of most vaccinations in a day.

“So far seven million people have been vaccinated in the country,” he said.

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About time justice is delivered, Tareen tells PM Imran

Estranged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen said on Monday Prime Minister Imran Khan had promised ensuring justice is delivered, saying it is time it was delivered. "Baseless allegations were levelled against me and now a new date is issued on every hearing," Tareen said while talking to the media after his appearance before a court in Lahore in the money laundering case. "I respect Ali Zafar [in-charge investigation] who made his effort to complete the report," he said and added, "We hoped that the report would be public by now, but that hasn't happened yet." The PTI leader further stated that, "It is being speculated that he [Zafar] has submitted the report to the premier, while it is also being said that the report is a positive one for me." "Prime Minister Imran Khan had promised that justice will be delivered, and so it should be delivered now," he remarked. "Provide justice and don't indulge in politics," the PTI leader stated. Referring to the registration of a case against one of his aides, Tareen said, "The situation deteriorated when a case was registered against Nazir Chohan." Read Tareen group MPA ‘surrenders’ to police day after Akbar’s complaint He clarified that he hadn't met any high-up from the government. "I will speak openly when I get the report." Earlier, upon being inquired by the learned judge of the court, deputy director FIA, referring to the transfer of the investigation officer, said that changes had been made to the entire agency. However, the judge asked how could a DG or anyone else transfer an investigation officer. Subsequently, the court issued a show-cause notice to the officer who transferred the IO, and adjourned the hearing of Jahangir and Ali Tareen's case till June 11. Last week, on May 24, Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar said Prime Minister Imran Khan neither wanted revenge from Tareen, nor will give he be given any concession. "Prime minister's struggle spanning 22 years isn't against one person; we go by the name of justice and we believe in justice," Umar said while addressing a ceremony in Ghotki today. The minister claimed that the law is equal for both the powerful and the weak in the society. Umar stated that the demands put forth by Tareen group were 'simple' and that they have deliberated upon.

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About time justice is delivered, Tareen tells PM Imran

Estranged Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Jahangir Tareen said on Monday Prime Minister Imran Khan had promised ensuring justice is delivered, saying it is time it was delivered. "Baseless allegations were levelled against me and now a new date is issued on every hearing," Tareen said while talking to the media after his appearance before a court in Lahore in the money laundering case. "I respect Ali Zafar [in-charge investigation] who made his effort to complete the report," he said and added, "We hoped that the report would be public by now, but that hasn't happened yet." The PTI leader further stated that, "It is being speculated that he [Zafar] has submitted the report to the premier, while it is also being said that the report is a positive one for me." "Prime Minister Imran Khan had promised that justice will be delivered, and so it should be delivered now," he remarked. "Provide justice and don't indulge in politics," the PTI leader stated. Referring to the registration of a case against one of his aides, Tareen said, "The situation deteriorated when a case was registered against Nazir Chohan." Read Tareen group MPA ‘surrenders’ to police day after Akbar’s complaint He clarified that he hadn't met any high-up from the government. "I will speak openly when I get the report." Earlier, upon being inquired by the learned judge of the court, deputy director FIA, referring to the transfer of the investigation officer, said that changes had been made to the entire agency. However, the judge asked how could a DG or anyone else transfer an investigation officer. Subsequently, the court issued a show-cause notice to the officer who transferred the IO, and adjourned the hearing of Jahangir and Ali Tareen's case till June 11. Last week, on May 24, Federal Minister for Planning Asad Umar said Prime Minister Imran Khan neither wanted revenge from Tareen, nor will give he be given any concession. "Prime minister's struggle spanning 22 years isn't against one person; we go by the name of justice and we believe in justice," Umar said while addressing a ceremony in Ghotki today. The minister claimed that the law is equal for both the powerful and the weak in the society. Umar stated that the demands put forth by Tareen group were 'simple' and that they have deliberated upon.

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Uroosa Qureshi, Bilal Qureshi welcome second child

Uroosa Qureshi, Bilal Qureshi

Pakistani celebs Uroosa Bilal Qureshi and husband Bilal Qureshi have welcomed their second child together – a baby boy!

The couple announced the arrival of their baby on their personal Instagram accounts, with Bilal sharing a picture of himself holding his newborn son in his arms with a Quranic verse in the caption.

فَبِأَيِّ آلَاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ. (Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?),” he wrote, also announcing the name. “Mera beta Romaan (My son, Romaan).” 

 

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A post shared by Bilal Qureshi (@bilal.qureshi)

Uroosa also shared the happy news on her profile, sharing a picture of her elder son holding the newborn in his arms. “SOHAAN welcoming ROMAAN. The most precious moment,” she said, adding Romaan’s birthday, “23rd May 2021.”

Here’s sending our heartiest wishes to the happy parents!

 

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Punjab vaccinates record 1,80000 against COVID-19 in a day

punjab covid-19 vaccination

LAHORE: Punjab has set a new record of most vaccinations in a day after 1,8000 people received COVID jabs over the past 24 hours, ARY News reported.

According to the Primary and Secondary Health Department Punjab, the process of vaccination has been geared up on the directions of the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC).

As many as 1,80000 people received COVID jabs on Sunday, setting a new record of most vaccinations in a day in Punjab. So far 39,00000 people have received COVID jabs, since the start of the drive in the province.

The health department said that they will achieve the vaccination target set by the NCOC.

Read more: 2,117 fresh coronavirus cases take Pakistan’s caseload to 921,053

On Sunday, Federal Minister for Planning and Development and NCOC head Asad Umar had stated that so far seven million people have been vaccinated in the country, while the number of people getting registered for the vaccination is also increasing day by day.

He had said that so far 11.6 million people have registered themselves to receive COVID jabs.

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My father passed away from COVID: Sarah Khan

Sarah Khan

Pakistani actor Sarah Khan revealed the cause of her father’s death earlier in December, sharing that he had contracted COVID-19.

Sarah shared the saddening news during a morning show appearance recently. When asked whether she spent Eid-ul-Fitr with in-laws, the Tumhare Hain actor said, “We were unable to visit them because of the coronavirus pandemic. My father has recently died of corona so we are trying to not interact with the elderly.”

She also revealed that she, along with her husband Falak Shabir, sister Noor Zafar, and her brother had also tested positive.

“We caught COVID from our father… I, my husband, and my siblings were all COVID positive when my father passed away and we all had different symptoms,” shared Sarah.

Sarah Khan went on to explain that she suffered from severe headaches while her brother was mostly asymptomatic. Sarah added that owing to their immunity, all others were able to fight the virus but her elderly father who was 70+ years old succumbed to it.

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Karachi to remain hot and humid with occasional gusty winds today

Karachi hot and humid

KARACHI: The Met Office has forecast a hot and humid weather in the metropolis with gusty winds, ARY News reported on Monday.

Maximum temperature expected to remain between 35 to 37 degree Celsius with occasional gusty winds from west and southwest direction in Karachi.

“Presently winds blowing from the west with 17 kilometers per hour wind speed”.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), has predicted dusty winds and wind storms in plains of the country in afternoon due to searing hot weather.

Most of the areas in the country experienced hot and dry weather yesterday, while Sindh, southern Punjab and central and southern Balochistan baked in scorching hot weather, according to the weather department.

Maximum temperature 50 degree Celsius yesterday recorded in Sibi, while the mercury soared in Jacobabad, Dadu, Mohenjo Daro and Larkana soared to 48 degree Celsius and Rohri, Padidan and Shaheed Benazirabad 47 degree Celsius, according to the PMD.

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Parents question ‘wisdom’ of opening schools in sweltering heat

Physical Classes Resume in Punjab

ISLAMABAD: Physical classes for matric and intermediate students resumed in Punjab and Islamabad today (Monday) under Covid-19 SOPs.

In-person classes for eighth, ninth and eleventh graders will resume from June 7.

Parents of matric and intermediate students have expressed concern over schools being opened at a time when summer vacations start under normal circumstances. They said children would suffer due to eight-hour long classes in the hot and humid weather.

Also Read: Schedule of matric, intermediate exams in Punjab announced as colleges reopen

“Opening schools amid the very hot weather is playing with the health of students,” the parents said, questioning the “wisdom” of opening educational institutes in the sweltering heat of June.

On May 29, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) granted permission to the provinces to begin regular classes of matric and intermediate students from May 31.

Earlier, Punjab Education Minister Murad Raas tweeted: “Only Classes 10th & 12th to be opened in all Districts of Punjab starting tomorrow May 31st, 2021. It will be staggered with 50% students on one day and 50% on the alternate day. No other classes to be allowed till June 7th, 2021.”

READ: NCOC allows provinces to begin regular classes of matric, inter students

The NCOC had further decided that the examinations of students enrolled in grade 9 to 12 (Matriculation and Intermediate) will be held from July 23 to 29. The provinces have been allowed to begin regular classes of matriculation and intermediate students from May 31. However, permission was given on a condition to strictly implement the SOPs against COVID-19.

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Karachi police arrest two over aerial firing

karachi aerial firing

KARACHI: Police on Monday booked two youth after they posted a video of aerial firing on social media in Karachi’s Sohrab Goth, ARY News reported. 

According to the Senior Superintendent of Police(SSP), Sajid Ameer Sadozai, two men were rounded up by the district east police. Despite the ban, the accused openly displayed arms and done aerial firing in the area that caused panic, the SSP added.

The video of the firing was uploaded on social media on which the police acted and arrested both the youth. A case has been registered against them.

Read more: One dead as bride’s cousin fires at groom’s car in Karachi

Earlier in the month of January, aerial firing at a wedding ceremony in Sheikhupura had claimed a minor girl’s life. 10-year-old Amna Manzoor, one of the guests at the wedding party, breathed her last after a bullet hit her turning the merry event into a calamity.

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Sunday, May 30, 2021

Fawad against giving online voting rights to expats

Though the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has swung into action to give voting rights to overseas Pakistanis, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said that he is personally not in favour of giving voting right to expatriates through the internet. The information minister while expressing that the option of the postal ballot would be safer than allowing expatriates to vote online or through the internet said it is currently being debated what would be the safest and best way through which the expats can exercise their right to franchise in the coming elections. “Personally, I am not in favour of online or internet-based voting for the overseas Pakistanis,” Chaudhry told The Express Tribune, adding that a secure method would be adopted as the whole focus is to make the 2023 elections transparent and free from controversies. The statement has come amid opposition parties’ fears that the biggest disadvantage of an electronic voting machine (EVM) is election hacking, saying there is a risk that the results can be altered if electronic voting is online and internet based. Among other things, the opposition has already raised several questions, including on the mechanism to ensure the integrity of vote and how would all parties reach out to expats spread across the globe. They have also said that the electoral reforms through the promulgation of ordinances were not viable in the long run. To the opposition’s question how will the presiding officers and polling agents be appointed and will the voting be constituency-wise or in any other way if expats get the right to vote, Chaudhry said that overseas Pakistanis were already registered as voters in different constituencies and a proper mechanism for enabling them to vote was being envisaged. Under electoral reforms, the government’s spokesperson said, regulations have to be changed, adding that the government's electoral reforms consist of four parts, including EVMs, e-voting for overseas Pakistanis, biometric and legislation. Chaudhry said that the prototype of EVM has already been developed and presented to parliamentarians, adding that the President has already promulgated ordinance giving voting rights to overseas Pakistanis and enabling the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to use EVMs while work was underway on biometric and e-voting systems. To the question what would happen once the ordinances lapse, Chaudhry said that the ordinances have been promulgated so that ECP and other institutions can start working on the proposed ideas and do not come up with the excuse at a later stage that they did not have enough time to complete the job. He was hopeful that the government would find a way to pass the bills related to giving voting rights to expats and holding elections through EVMs from parliament. Expressing that the government is determined to bring electoral reforms, Chaudhry said the electronic voting system is one step ahead of the present electoral system and would ensure transparency in the polls. Apart from transparency, the electronic voting system would not only ensure quick and accurate results but help ending the culture of blame game that is witnessed after every election, he said.

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Gunmen kill two, wound 20 in US mass shooting

us-mass-shooting concert florida

Assailants opened fire on a crowd outside a concert in Florida early on Sunday, killing two people and wounding more than 20, police and media reports said.

Three people got out of a white SUV and fired assault-style weapons and handguns at revelers gathered for an album launch party at the El Mula Banquet Hall near Hialeah, a city in Miami-Dade county, according to local media.

“I am at the scene of another targeted and cowardly act of gun violence,” Miami-Dade police director Alfredo Ramirez wrote on Twitter. “These are cold blooded murderers that shot indiscriminately into a crowd and we will seek justice.”

The Miami Herald said 20 wounded victims were taken to local hospitals, and posted a photo of friends and relatives holding hands in prayer outside one trauma center. CBS4 Miami said at least one victim remained in critical condition, and that police had no one in custody as of midday Sunday.

Angelica Green, of Miramar, told reporters her son and nephew, both 24, were arriving at the event when they became among those shot and wounded. She said they were both now in stable condition at Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital.

She told Local 10 News her son had telephoned her “frantic, saying he had been shot, that it hurts and that he loves us”.

“He said the guys came with ski masks and hoodies, and just started shooting up the crowd,” Green said.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said state authorities were working to catch the perpetrators.

“Justice needs to be swift & severe!” he wrote on Twitter.

The United States saw at least 200 mass shootings in the first 132 days of this year, according to a report by the Gun Violence Archive, a non-profit research group.

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WhatsApp users who don’t accept new policy can continue using app

Whatsapp new privacy policy

WhatsApp now won’t limit the functionality of the messaging app if any of the users don’t accept the new privacy policy. Earlier this month, the Facebook-owned company asserted that users will start losing access to most of the features if they fail to accept the policy after May 15.

“Given recent discussions with various authorities and privacy experts, we want to make clear that we will not limit the functionality of how WhatsApp works for those who have not yet accepted the update,” a WhatsApp spokesperson said.

In a blog post, WhatsApp confirmed that the majority of users who have seen the new privacy policy update have already accepted it. Furthermore, those who still haven’t accepted the policy will continue to get reminders.

“We’ll continue to display a notification in WhatsApp providing more information about the update and reminding those who haven’t had a chance to do so to review and accept.

The new policy is about the messages you sent to businesses via WhatsApp will be shared with Facebook too. This basically means that messaging a business on WhatsApp is not the same as one-on-one chat with your friends and family. The personal chats will remain private and no one can access them as the platform is end-to-end encrypted.

WhatsApp has even clearly mentioned that it won’t delete your account if you don’t accept the update.

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‘Internal review’ delays Biden-Imran contact

When Donald Trump was elected as the US President in 2016, he didn't even wait to take the formal oath for telephoning then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. It was a telephone call that got the international media's attention since Trump, as per Pakistan’s official readout, declared Nawaz “a terrific guy”. This was, nevertheless, not a surprise since Pakistani leaders were on the priority list of the newly elected US presidents in the post 9/11 scenario given the country's critical role in the Afghan affairs. Read: Pak, US NSAs meet in Geneva for crucial talks However, President Joe Biden didn't follow that ritual and has not yet spoken to Prime Minister Imran Khan despite being in the White House since January 20. There is no official explanation from either side as to what stops Biden from speaking to Imran, although his administration officials have been in touch both with the civil and military authorities in Pakistan. The Express Tribune has learnt through reliable sources that Biden has ordered an "internal review" on Pakistan and hence is waiting for the outcome of that review before picking up the phone and speaking to Prime Minister Imran. The reason why Biden ordered a review is that he thinks that he may have a "biased" approach given that he has worked with Islamabad as vice president as well as head of the foreign relations committee. Biden was the original co-author of the Kerry-Lugar Act that tripled non-military aid to Pakistan during President Obama's first term. He frequently travelled to Islamabad for this purpose. Sources said President Biden was seeking fresh input from the relevant US department to understand where Pakistan-US ties stand at the moment and what the way forward is. "Once President Biden has the institutional input he would then reach out to Prime Minister Imran Khan," a source familiar with the development said. Pakistan has been seeking a paradigm shift in its ties with the US. Unlike the past, Islamabad wants relationships to be based on economy and trade rather than solely focusing on security and Afghanistan. Read more: Qureshi meets US lawmakers, discusses bilateral relations At a recent meeting in Geneva, newly appointed National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf presented a "blueprint" to his US counterpart Jake Sullivan. The blueprint envisages Pakistan's priorities for future cooperation with the US. Washington on the other hand wants Islamabad to first play its role in the Afghan endgame. It is believed that the US-Pakistan bilateral cooperation would depend on how the Afghanistan situation unfolds in the coming months. It is said that the US first wants Pakistan to deliver on the Afghanistan front before offering any cooperation in other areas.

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Meet the women leading key administrative roles in Sialkot

For the first time in its history, Sialkot district has become a trailblazer in gender inclusion within the provincial bureaucracy, now boas...