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Author: World News

  • PPP, Washington DC Chapter marks 42nd anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

    Fazal Khaliq, Washington DC, US,

    The 42nd anniversary of the founding leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party, (PPP) Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, was celebrated by the Washington Chapter of the United States of America.

    Celebrations were organized in various states of the United States on the occasion Party workers were paid homage in glorious words.

    The largest event was organized by the Washington Chapter of the PPP and was attended by Party workers from the Washington Metro Area. They paid tribute to Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and his family for their sacrifices for democracy.

    PPP US President Khalid Awan attended the event via video link, PPP workers said that the late Bhutto taught the poor people how to live, at the end of the ceremony, prayers were offered for the martyr for democracy Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and other PPP martyrs.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Dollar Station store inaugurated near Coney Island Avenue and Foster Avenue, New York

    Coney Island Avenue and Foster Avenue, New York

    Pakistani community entrepreneur Sheikh Shafiq ul Hassan inaugurates a store called Dollar Station near Coney Island Avenue and Foster Avenue in New York. The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of Pakistani community.

    On the occasion, Imam Ahmad Ali offered special prayers for blessings in the business of Sheikh Shafiq ul Hassan.

    The opening ceremony was attended by business and social personalities of the Pakistani community and best wishes for Sheikh Shafiq ul Hassan on the new business.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Britain’s Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, dies aged 99.

    UK,

    Prince Philip, the longest serving royal associate in British history and a constant presence at Queen Elizabeth II’s side for decades, died Friday aged 99, Buckingham Palace announced.

    “It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” the palace said in a statement.

    The death of the Duke of Edinburgh is a profound loss for the 94-year-old monarch, who once described him as her “strength and stay all these years”.

    The outspoken former navy commander devoted much of his life as the queen’s husband to charity work but was notorious for numerous gaffes, many deemed downright offensive.

    He was admitted to hospital on February 16, and went home after a month during which he was treated for a pre-existing heart condition and an infection.

    Announcing his passing, National UK television played the national anthem over a picture of Philip in his prime, dressed in military dress uniform.

    Flags were lowered to half-mast on royal and government buildings and a notice announcing his death pinned to the gates of Buckingham Palace.

    “We give thanks, as a nation and a kingdom, for the extraordinary life and work of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh,” Prime Minister Boris Johnson said outside 10 Downing Street.

    Johnson said Philip had “earned the affection of generations” at home, in the Commonwealth and across the world after first serving in the Royal Navy and then over nearly eight decades beside the queen.

    Philip retired from public duties in 2017 at the age of 96. His death came just months before his 100th birthday in June an event typically marked in Britain with a congratulatory message from the queen, who is now Britain’s longest-serving monarch.

    The couple, who celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in November, had been living largely in isolation at Windsor Castle, west of London, because their advanced age put them at heightened risk from Covid-19.

    Philip and the queen received their first vaccinations against the virus in January.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Muslim Taxi driver’s son appointed TLC commissioner in Westbury.

    Westbury, NYC,

    Kevin Shakeel, the first Muslim youngster in the Westbury area of ​​Long Island in New York, has been appointed commissioner of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). Kevin’s father Shakeel Sheikh used to drive a taxi in New York.

    Peter Cavallo, mayor of the Westbury area of ​​Long Island in New York, has recommended the appointment of Kevin Shakeel, a Pakistani-born Spanish Muslim, as regional commissioner of the TLC, board has approved and now he has been appointed commissioner of TLC in the Westbury.

    Kevin Shakeel is the first Muslim to be appointed to the post and is also the founder of American Islamic Radio.

    According to Kevin Shakeel everything can be achieved through hard work. The Pakistani community has congratulated Kevin’s father Shakeel Sheikh on his appointment.

    According to Kevin Shakeel’s father, he used to be a taxi driver in New York and today his son is in a good position in a TLC in the same city and my happiness cannot be described.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Born blind Pakistani girl got Oxford scholarship.

    Web Desk,

    Visually impaired Pakistani student, Khansa Maria, will be pursuing a Masters in evidence-based policy intervention and social evaluation at the Oxford University next fall, as Pakistan’s 2021 Rhodes Scholar-elect, international media reported.

    Owing to her visual impairment, Khansa had to face many struggles while studying in Pakistan hence, the idea of ​​being able to do something for the physically challenged is very personal to her.

    “I do have a disability, I am blind, and I firsthand experienced the impacts of not having an inclusive society,” Maria said, noting that now she wants to give back.

    “I do have a certain responsibility toward my community to improve things to the extent that I can, or at least lend my skills or my experience in a way that benefits people like me in Pakistan,” she observed.

    Khansa Maria is deeply passionate about advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and designing accessible communities in an effort to ensure inclusivity.

    To this end, she has organized and has spoken at various conferences on inclusion and inclusive policies.

    Khansa currently attends Georgetown’s Qatar campus where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s in foreign service, with a concentration in culture and politics.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Net Cost USA proclaims free grocery for NYC underprivileged during Ramadan.

    New York City,

    US supermarket chain, Net Cost, in collaboration with Pakistani American Youth Society (PAYS) and Helping Hand Brighton Beach, has announced the distribution of free groceries for New York-based underprivileged Muslims during the month of Ramadan.

    Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistani-American organizations in Brooklyn, the comptroller of Net Cost said he wanted to spend Ramadan with the Muslim community.

    It has been decided to distribute free necessities to underprivileged Muslims for 30 days of Ramadan. New York residents will be able to get free groceries from Muslim mosques and PAYS offices.

    The press conference was also attended by President of PAYS, Kashif Hussain, Imam of Hand Brighton Beach Mosque Omar Usman, City Council candidate Steven Peters, Steven Saperstein and others thanked Net Cost. The Pakistani community has welcomed the initiative of Net Cost, PAYS and Helping Hand Brighton Beach.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • First Arab nuclear plant begins commercial operation in UAE

    UAE,

    “The UAE has entered a landmark phase today,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Emirates’ vice president and prime minister. “The first megawatt from the first Arab nuclear plant has entered the national power grid,” said Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the ruler of Dubai.

    Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan too lauded the “historic milestone”.

    “The start of commercial operations at the Barakah nuclear energy plant is a historic milestone for the UAE that significantly enhances the sustainability of our entire power sector,” he tweeted.

    The UAE, which is made up of seven emirates, including the capital Abu Dhabi and freewheeling Dubai, is the fourth largest oil producer in the OPEC.

    The country was built on oil, but is spending billions to develop enough renewable energy to cover half of its needs by 2050.

    When fully operational, the four reactors of the Barakah plant will generate 5,600 megawatts, around 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity needs.

    The plant started up in August when authorities pushed the button on the first of four reactors. Barakah, which means “blessing” in Arabic, is an Arab first. Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, has said it plans to build up to 16 nuclear reactors, but the project has yet to materialize.

    Barakah on the Gulf coast, west of Abu Dhabi was built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation at a cost of some $24.4 billion. Across the Gulf, Iran operates a Russian-built nuclear power plant at Bushehr on its southern coast.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • $900m debt relief expected for Pakistan from G20 states.

    Web desk,

    There was a strong possibility that Pakistan may get $900 million relief from the G20 countries, reported local news TV channel on Tuesday, according to sources.

    According to sources, Finance Ministry has begun chowk out the loan deferment recommendations, range from $800 million to $900 million by G20 countries. The relief from G20 countries is likely to pour in between July to December 2021.

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed to the G20 nations to put off the loan payments. The G20 states are expected to defer loans of low-income countries, so they can tackle the situation arising out of the coronavirus pandemic sources added.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • ICNA Relief Medical camp and CPR training session for community in Peel, Texas.

    Peel town, Texas,

    ICNA Relief continues medical activities with social services across the United States. ICNA Relief inaugurates free medical camp in Peel, Texas with support of Pakistani American Doctors Association. Community members were also given CPR training along with Corona’s vaccination at the medical camp.

    Two dozen people were given first dose of Moderna vaccine to protect them from corona at a free mobile medical camp set up for the community. Dr. Bilal Paracha and Fatima Akram provided CPR course training to 10 local community members.

    Free screening of several families without discrimination of color and religion, blood pressure, diabetics and other tests were also conducted.

    The participants of the medical camp were examined by Dr. Warner Messe, Dr. Mammet Habib and Dr. Bilal Paracha. The well reputed team also gave them medical advice. Pharmacist Dr. Sohail, Lama Ahmed provided other services.

    According to Dr. Sohail, more medical camps would be set up in mosques, churches and community centers in collaboration with the local health department.

    On the occasion, people who did not have health insurance were offered for various free tests at local clinics.

    ICNA Relief volunteers distribute brochures, masks, and sanitizers at medical camp. Informative literature based on COVID-19 prevention also provided to the audience.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • KSA Women empowerment, Saji Arija set an example for women’s.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    Saudi women are proving themselves in every field and setting an example for other women. Saudi Arabia’s Saji Arija, a Saudi woman, raises horses and trains them and also engaged in photography of horses.

    According to Saji Arija, she has been working for the past several years to care for and train horses of other breeds besides the Arabian breed. It is also her hobby and she does it with courage because of the encouragement of the people.

    Saji also prepare horses for races and then take photographs of horse races.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Cricket flourish in KSA, chairman announce two stadiums built in Kingdom.

    Zaka Ullah Mohsin, Riyadh,

    The game of cricket in Saudi Arabia is beginning towards betterment, Prince Mashaal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Cricket Federation, has said that sooner two international cricket grounds will be built while tournaments are being organize to popularize the game of cricket among Saudi citizens.

    Chairman of Saudi Cricket Federation, has said that the game of cricket is not new in Saudi Arabia. We have people from Asian countries who have settled on the cricket field. That is why the Cricket Federation has been set up. In order to further promote cricket in Saudi Arabia, two cricket grounds will be set up on international standard in Jubail and Yanbu City.

    Apart from international matches, local players will also be trained and cricket tournaments will be organized at school and college levels along with cricket academies.

    We also try to get the Saudi Arabian cricket team to play international matches after improvising in ICC rankings.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PPP Germany pays tribute to leader on 42nd martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

    Matiullah, Germany,

    Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Germany organized Qur’an recitations in different cities of Germany on the occasion of 42nd anniversary of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto paid tribute to the valuable services of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Shaheed for Pakistan. Anniversary celebrations are limited and private, due to coronavirus lockdown and SOPs.

    On the occasion, Farid Shah, Information Secretary, PPP Germany, Muhammad Haroon, President, Nuzhat Haroon, President, PPP Women’s Wing and Abid Baloch, Leader, Lyari Wing Germany said that Zulfiqar Bhutto Shaheed sacrificed his life and property for the pride, freedom and security of common man of Pakistan without caring for his family and get martyrdom. Undoubtedly Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto is our most valuable asset and we pay unlimited tribute to him.

    The thought, ideology, services and character of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Shaheed have made him a living legend and he is still alive in millions of hearts after 42 years of his martyrdom.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PM Imran Khan warns of greater COVID-19 restrictions

    Karachi, Pakistan,

    Pakistan reported over 5,000 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, prompting the prime minister to issue a warning of greater nationwide restrictions if people do not follow health guidelines.

    Imran Khan told the public during a live question-and-answer session that the ongoing third wave of COVID-19 is “way more dangerous.”

    “We have so far been protecting our people, we are not imposing a lockdown or closing our factories. We are only imposing minor restrictions so that this wave doesn’t spread rapidly,” he said. “But if it continues to spread like this, it will have a very negative impact and we will be forced to take strict steps.”

    He added: “I request you to wear a mask wherever you go.”

    Health officials have warned that the hospitals across the country are overcrowded, with a record 3,568 patients in critical condition.

    With 5,020 new COVID-19 cases, the overall caseload has risen to 687,908, the Health Ministry said, adding that another 81 people died of the infection in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 14,778.

    So far, 613,058 patients have recovered, with 60,072 cases of COVID-19 still active.

    Infections have risen sharply in the South Asian nation of over 200 million people in recent days, with over 15,000 COVID-19 cases reported in April alone.

    Last week, the government said existing COVID-19 restrictions will continue for at least three more weeks. They include “broader lockdowns” in high-risk areas, with no movement allowed, except for emergencies. Educational institutions have also been closed until at least April 11 in districts with high infection rates.

    Pakistan is currently vaccinating frontline health care workers and senior citizens using Sinopharm doses donated by China.

    According to Faisal Sultan, the special assistant to the prime minister on health, over 0.8 million vaccine doses have been administered.

    Private hospitals in major cities have also started inoculation with Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine imported by a pharmaceutical company.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Custodian of the Holy mosques advised all employees to vaccinated before Ramadan.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    The head of public presidency Sheikh Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Abdulaziz Al-Sudais, and  responsible for the administrative affairs of the two holy mosques, has said that all employees working in the Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi al-Sharif will be advised to vaccinated against corona virus before the beginning of Ramadan.

    Workers of the both mosques ensure the safety of all visitors. All the employees help to prevent the spread of deadly COVID-19.

    According to Sheikh Al-Sudais, Shari’ah allow us to preventing the spread of a deadly pandemic, its treatment and cure is in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

    He is quoting a prophetic hadith that forbidding people from leaving the plague area.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Alliance of political parties, Ahliyan e Riyadh calls a meeting in Riyadh.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    A meeting of the Ahliyan e Riyadh, an alliance of political parties, was held in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Participants praised the precautious measures for coronavirus outbreak in Saudi Arabia.

    Ahliyan e Riyadh ask Pakistani community to make the vaccine mandatory and to comply with Saudi law. Participants expressed concern over the situation of corona virus in Pakistan and said that the third wave of the pandemic is dangerous and the government of Pakistan needs to take timely steps in this regard and provide free or cheap vaccines to the public but the public should also follow SOPs.

    Thousands of foreign workers will be able to leave homeland for other countries, including Saudi Arabia, in view of the improved situation of corona virus in Pakistan, otherwise more problems may arise for the return of Pakistani workers. Khalid Akram Rana, Maulana Aziz-ur-Rehman Durrani and Hanif Babar expressed their views at the meeting.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Trump sanctions lifted by Biden, ICC hails ‘new phase’

    Web desk,

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday welcomed US President Joe Biden’s lifting of sanctions imposed by Donald Trump on the tribunal’s prosecutor, saying it signaled a new era of cooperation with Washington.

    The Trump administration imposed financial sanctions and visa ban on Fatou Bensouda and another senior court official last year after she launched an investigation into alleged war crimes by US military personnel in Afghanistan.

    The head of the group representing The Hague-based court’s member countries expressed “deep appreciation” for the move, which comes as the Biden administration seeks a more cooperative approach on a dispute that has alienated allies.

    “I welcome this decision which contributes to strengthening the work of the court and, more generally, to promoting a rules-based international order,” Silvia Fernandez de Gurmendi, head of the Association of States Parties to the ICC, said in a statement.

    Fernandez said the ICC had “always welcomed the participation” of the US in achieving justice for war crimes, despite the fact that the US did not ratify its founding Rome Statute in 1998.

    “I trust this decision signals the start of a new phase of our common undertaking to fight against impunity for these crimes,” she added.

    Fernandez said the US decision also came at a “fundamental juncture” when reforms were being enacted at the court, which has also come under scrutiny over internal matters including judges’ salaries.

    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said as he announced the lifting of the sanctions that he was encouraged by the reforms.

    However the new administration has continued to oppose the Afghan probe, as well as a separate investigation into alleged war crimes in the Palestinian territories by US ally Israel.

    Gambian-born Bensouda is leaving her job in June and will be replaced by British human rights lawyer Karim Khan, who now can open his work without the burden of looming sanctions.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 9 million amphetamine pill seized in Saudi Arabia.

    Zaka Mohsin, Jeddah,

    Saudi Arabia anti narcotics department seized large consignment of 9 million amphetamine pill. Four Saudi and two Syrian nationals have been arrested for drug trafficking.

    Mohammed al-Najadi, a spokesman for Saudi Arabia’s anti-narcotics agency, said a large consignment of the amphetamine pill had been seized.

    The amphetamine pills hidden in wooden planks and quantity of pills is 9.54 million. Six members of a smuggling gang have been arrested in Saudi Arabia.

    The detainees, including four Saudis and two Syrians, handed over to the authorities for further investigation.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • President APAG, meeting in NYC with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi

    New York City,

    APAG, meeting in NYC with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Pak-US relations and Pakistani-American community were discussed during the meeting with president Ali Rashid. Apart from this, Indian atrocities on Kashmir were also openly discussed.

    Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that Pakistani community in US is making his country proud. He said this in a meeting with Ali Rashid, President of American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG).

    APAG President Ali Rashid briefed Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the performance of his organization. The Foreign Minister appreciated the initiative of the resolution passed by APAG in the New York Assembly on Kashmir Day and commended the humanitarian activities during the pandemic of Covid 19.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia hosted an online complaint portal.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    The Pakistani embassy in Saudi Arabia hosted an online complaint portal for complaints in which Pakistani ambassador Raja Ali Ijaz listened to the problems of Pakistani workers in the eastern region and assured them of a solution.

    On behalf of Pakistan Embassy in Saudi Arabia, dozens of people briefed Pakistan Ambassador, Raja Ali Ijaz, on behalf of Pakistanis residing in Dammam, Al-Khobar, Jubail and Al-Ahsa. This included complaints from various companies regarding non-payment of dues and other legal issues

    Pakistan Ambassador Raja Ali Ijaz said that issues pertaining to the Embassy of Pakistan are immediately resolved for which, various sections of the Embassy are working. But issues related to Saudi law are resolved by coordinating Saudi authorities.

    However, we do our best to guide our workers in this regard, including legal advice. Deputy Ambassador Zeeshan Ahmed and Welfare Attaché Malik Abu Bakar and Naveed Afzal were also present on the occasion.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Press conference of Pakistani community against attacks on migrants

    Coney Island, New York,

    The Pakistani community held a Press conference on Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn against the mistreatment of immigrants in different states. Violence against immigrants is on the rise in the United States, and the Pakistani community in particular is plagued by religious and ethnic hatred.

    The Pakistani community called on the US government to provide protection to immigrants and demanded that the government take immediate notice of the escalating violence against immigrants and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    The recent protests against the killing of an Uber driver in Virginia, the attack on a Pakistani driver by a black man in New York, and the death of a three-year-old boy in New Jersey from a dog attack have sparked community outcry.

    In a press conference before the demonstration, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adam and other U.S. officials strongly condemned the incidents with immigrants. Eric Adam said that Muslims are also part of America and live here in peace and brotherhood. In these circumstances, people of other religions should be tolerant of Muslims.

    On the occasion, US officials and members of the Pakistani community said that the feeling of insecurity among immigrants is increasing after these incidents.

    The Press conference was also attended by members of the Pakistani American Youth Society (PAYS) and the Pakistani American Skilled Women’s Organization, (PASWO) who called on the government to provide protection to immigrants.

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Shaukat Ali legend Punjabi folk singer passed away

    Lahore,

    Legend folk singer Shaukat Ali has passed away, Family members have confirmed the news.

    According to his son Ameer Shaukat Ali, the funeral prayers will be offered today between Maghrib and Isha at Samsani Johar Town in Lahore.

    Earlier Ameer had requested the singer’s fans for prayers following his deteriorating condition as he was undergoing treatment at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Lahore. He had faced multiple medical issues, including diabetes and a liver transplant.

    Moreover, he had undergone a heart bypass surgery a few years ago.

    The Ghazal maestro was one of the most prolific artists of the Pakistani music industry, with a singing career spanning five decades.

    Born into an artistic family in Malakwal, he had begun his singing career in the 1960s with film songs. He was introduced in 1963 by musician M Ashraf in the film Tees Maar Khan and cemented his place in ghazals, songs, national anthems and Punjabi folk songs.

    Shaukat, known for his war-time patriotic songs in the wars of 1965 and 1971, such as Saathion Mujahidon Jaag Utha Hai Sara Watan and Apna Quaid Aik Hai among many others, had been unwell for the past several years.

    He was also a recipient of the Pride of Performance award.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 16th century sultan’s portrait sold for $481,000 in London

    UK,

    A rare 16th-century portrait of Suleiman the Magnificent, the longest-reigning Ottoman sultan, fetched a hefty £350,000 ($481,000) sale price in an auction on Wednesday in London.

    The portrait was on offer for collectors in live bidding at famed auction house Sotheby’s starting at £80,000.

    The sale price nearly tripled pre-auction estimates, which predicted the portrait could be sold for as high as £120,000.

    The painting was formerly part of a family collection in France since the 19th century. The painting is a likeness of two 16th century portraits, according to Sotheby’s.

    It is associated with a portrait attributed to Cristofano Dell’ Altissimo in Florence’s Galleria Degli Uffizi and a smaller portrait of Archduke Ferdinand II exhibited in Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum.

    The painting “opens a window onto a narrative of artistic exchanges between Venice and the Ottomans in the 1530s,” according to Sotheby’s.

    Suleiman the Magnificent ruled for nearly a half century, from 1520 to 1566.

    Wednesday’s auction also included a portrait of Suleiman’s daughter Mihrimah Sultan, by Titian, the 16th century Venetian artist. The painting was sold to a buyer for £60,000.

    Ottoman velvet work from the “distinguished collection of Edgar Vincent, 1st Viscount d’Abernon” was also on auction.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan Govt decides to resume trade with India

    Islamabad,

    Hammad Azhar, who took over as the country’s finance minister only two days ago, on March 29, said on Wednesday that the government had decided to resume trade with India, reported local broadcaster.

    Pakistan had suspended trade with India in August 2019.  Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the new finance minister said now the private sector would be able to import 0.5 million tonnes of sugar from India.

    Similarly, he informed, it had been decided to start importing cotton from India also by the end of June this year. Hammad said wheat’s support price had been fixed at Rs1,800 per maund. He further said that the Pakistani rupee was strengthening against the US dollar.

    The minister said he would continue to seek guidance for the betterment of the country’s economy. Hammad said there was a price hike in the entire world due to coronavirus.

    Admitting that increase was witnessed in ghee, sugar and flour prices, the minister expressed the resolve to work tirelessly to bring the prices of all essential items down.

    He informed that the government had decided to decrease the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs1.55 per liter and Rs3 per liter, respectively.

    Earlier, Hammad Azhar chaired the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) meeting, which gave a green signal to the import of cotton and yarn from India.

    Sources told local broadcaster that similarly, the meeting also allowed the import of sugar from the neighboring country. They further said that the import of cotton and yarn from India would cost Pakistan much less.

    Sources disclosed that historic reduction in cotton production this year had also taken its toll on yarn. It has been learnt that the industrialists have welcomed the resumption of trade with India.

    Meanwhile, in a tweet, Federal Finance Minister Hammad Azhar has said that Pakistan has successfully released Euro bonds.

    https://twitter.com/Hammad_Azhar/status/1377140630934020100

    He claimed that international investors were now reposing their trust in Pakistan’s economy.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Biden extends small business support for two months

    Web desk,

    US President Joe Biden Tuesday signed a law extending financial support for small businesses for two-months, one day before the relief fund was set to expire.

    “It is a bipartisan accomplishment,” Biden said about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) that was extended to May 31. He said it would help small businesses, especially the Hispanic and Black population.

    The Senate voted 92-7 last week to extend the deadline for the PPP Extension Act of 2021 from March 31 after the House of Representatives passed the measure.

    “Nearly 90,000 business owners are still in line. Without signing this bill today there are hundreds of thousands of people who could lose their jobs and small family businesses might close forever,” he said at the White House. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, representing almost 50% of all employees.”

    He noted that the government in the last two months has approved forgivable loans for 3.6 million small businesses, while 3.3 million had fewer than 20 employees.

    Congress has approved more than $800 billion in PPP loans to support businesses and employees in the coronavirus pandemic-hit largest economy in the world.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • UK government lifted 3 month imposed ban and restrict citizens to travel Europe

    Muqeem Ahmad, UK,

    The UK has lifted a three-month ban. Six people will now be able to meet in the open air, while Gyms and swimming pools have also been opened. Citizens expressed happiness and express appreciates government lifted ban.

    The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson has advised the citizens to be very careful as the number of coronavirus victims in Europe is increasing and this may affects the UK vaccination program.

    It is to be noted that UK’s vaccination program is the fourth fastest vaccination program in the world.

    Germany and France face third wave of corona virus. Police in Paris appear on streets to be advising citizens on social distancing. The Home Minister has directed 90,000 police personnel to patrol the roads across the country to ensure implementation of SOPs by the citizens. Spain’s popular tourist attractions are empty in this season, while compared to 19 million last year.

    The UK has banned all overseas travel except for work, education and health, which will be reconsidered in April. The EU is increasingly infected with the Corona virus, while vaccination is slow and the future of tourism in the summer holidays is uncertain.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Mohoob Art Gallery hosted Two-day art exhibition, forty women artists participates.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    A two-day art exhibition at the Mohoob Art Gallery in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, female artists from Pakistan, India, the Philippines, Russia and Spain created works of art and showcased their skills through stunning paintings. The children also showed their skills in painting. A large number of art enthusiasts came to see the two-day art exhibition.

    Rohi Khan, founder of Mohob Art Gallery, said that the purpose of the event was to stimulate the interest in art in women and children and improve their creativity.

    The children and women artists participate in the event appreciates the exhibition and said that such events would definitely help in promoting such skills.

     

     

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PSNT organize a dinner in honor of Consul General Houston and US political candidates.

    Houston, Texas,

    A dinner in honor of Consul General Houston Abrar Hashmi by the President of the Pakistan Society of North Texas, (PSNT) Abid Malik at his residence.

    Abrar Hashmi said on the occasion that the efforts of the Pakistani American community at political, social and business levels were admirable. The dinner was attended by Dallas Fort Worth elders from various walks of life, and various candidates.

    Suzanne Wright, wife of the late Congressman Ron Wright, was also present on the occasion. Ron is running for the vacant Congress seat of her late husband. Ron Wright died of the corona virus a few months ago.

    Suzanne Wright said her late husband, Ron Wright, as a congressman and member of the International Affairs Committee, supported the position of Kashmir and Pakistan and took it to the US House of Representatives. She appealed to the audience to go out on Election Day and cast their votes.

    Consul General Houston Abrar Hashmi said that all consulate services have been made online. People from different cities and states outside of Houston no longer need to travel to Houston. They can benefit from online services. He also thanked PSNT, President Abid Malik and his team.

    On the occasion, PSNT President Abid Malik thanked special guest Abrar Hashmi for his visit and said that PSNT has always played an important role in community service. He said that times have changed and a new generation of Pakistanis is playing an important role in various walks of life. Pakistani-Americans have now joined the American political system and are playing a role in building and developing the US.

    He said that Ron Wright raised his voice against Indian atrocities in Kashmir in the US House of Representatives and conveyed our position to the House for which we will always be grateful to him, and we assure Suzanne Wright of our full support.

    The event was hosted by Chairperson Friends of Kashmir, Ghazala Habib while candidates for Congress and local seats briefed the audience on their manifestos and appealed for votes.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PML N acting president and Middle East Coordinator calls meeting in Riyadh.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    PML-N Acting President Adnan Iqbal Butt chaired a meeting, in the Saudi capital Riyadh, meeting was attended by senior party leaders and PML-N Middle East Coordinator Sheikh Saeed. On the occasion, Adnan Iqbal Butt said that it is time to work in an organized and full manner. We have to mobilize the workers of PML-N in Overseas for the upcoming elections in Pakistan. We have to adopt a comprehensive strategy for which every official and senior member has to play his role, he added.

    Sheikh Saeed Ahmed, PML-N Middle East Coordinator, said that his visit to Pakistan and Bahrain was very successful. In Pakistan, party affairs were discussed with senior leadership other than the International Affairs leadership, it was gratifying to see Muslim League workers playing an active role in Bahrain.

    Middle East coordinator reiterated that I want the PML-N to play a more organized role in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia

    PML-N General Secretary Muhammad Asghar Chishti, Makhdoom Amin Tajar, Mahmood Ahmed Bajwa, Malik Ahmed Hussain, Tariq Baryar and Abid Hussain also spoke in the meeting.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Uk’s Deliveroo, plans to sell shares and forecast estimated $12 billion.  

    Muqeem Ahmad, London,

    The British Food delivery company, “Deliveroo” claims that it can raise 8.8 billion pound, or $12 billion, from the sale of its shares. This will be the largest amount of initial public offering by any UK company in the last 10 years.

    The company says the value is justified in the face of growing business as orders received by it increased by 121% in January and February.

    Will Shaw, the company’s founder and chief executive officer, say the food delivery market will continue to grow, because even after the end of the lockdown, the demand for food delivery has increased. Most businesses in the UK and around the world are closed or banned due to the Corona virus. However, the task of bringing cooked food to the doorstep of consumers has become extremely popular and has reached new heights.

    If Deliveroo share sales are up according to forecast, it will be easier for the UK government to claim that London is still the most popular place to invest, even after secession from the EU.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Hamza Mosque in Long Island, New York, organize vaccination against corona virus.

    Long Island, New York,

    The management of Hamza Mosque announced the vaccination in the mosque but due to some unavoidable reasons the vaccination camp was set up in the school located near the mosque. About 200 registered people were vaccinated against corona. Free vaccine facility for people over 50 years of age. This included store workers and people whose health made it difficult to schedule vaccination appointments.

    Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages and other US officials also attended the Hamza Mosque vaccination camp. On the occasion, she termed the initiative of the management of Hamza Mosque as exemplary.

    The management of Hamza Mosque started and completed the vaccination camp in a very polite and orderly manner. Translators were also present for the convenience of the people present for the vaccination.

     

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    Muslim community members vaccinated on Saturday against COVID-19 at Hamza Mosque.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.