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Author: World News

  • PM Aung San Suu Kyi detains, Myanmar’s military stages coup.

    Myanmar,

    Military staged a coup Monday, detaining democratically elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and declaring it had taken control of the country for one year under a state of emergency.

    The intervention followed weeks of rising tensions between the military, which ruled the country for nearly five decades, and the civilian government over elections in November last year that Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party won easily.

    Suu Kyi and President Win Myint were detained in the capital, Naypyidaw, before dawn, party spokesman Myo Nyunt told news agency, just hours before parliament was meant to reconvene for the first time since the elections.

    “We heard they were taken by the military. With the situation we see happening now, we have to assume that the military is staging a coup,” he said.

    The military then declared, via its own television channel, a one-year state of emergency and announced that former general Myint Swe would be acting president for the next year.

    It justified the coup by alleging “huge irregularities” in the November polls that the election commission had failed to address.

    “As the situation must be resolved according to the law, a state of emergency is declared,” the announcement said.

    The military moved quickly to stifle dissent, severely restricting the internet and mobile phone communications across the country.

    In Yangon, the former capital that remains Myanmar’s commercial hub, troops seized the city hall just ahead of the announcement, according to an news agency journalist.

    Elsewhere, the chief minister of Karen state and several other regional ministers were also held, party sources told news agencies.

    The United States, the United Nations and Australia quickly condemned the coup, calling for a restoration of democracy.

    “The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement.

    Australia said the military was “once again seeking to seize control” of the country.

    “We call on the military to respect the rule of law, to resolve disputes through lawful mechanisms and to release immediately all civilian leaders and others who have been detained unlawfully,” Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said.

    Myanmar’s polls in November were only the second democratic elections the country had seen since it emerged from the 49-year grip of military rule in 2011.

    The NLD swept the polls and was expecting to renew the 75-year-old Suu Kyi’s lease on power with a new five-year term.

    Suu Kyi is an immensely popular figure in Myanmar for her opposition to the military, having spent the best part of two decades under house arrest during the previous dictatorship. But the military has for weeks complained the polls were riddled with irregularities and claimed to have uncovered over 10 million instances of voter fraud.

    It had demanded the government-run election commission release voter lists for cross-checking which the commission did not do.

    Last week, military chief General Min Aung Hlaing arguably the country’s most powerful individual said Myanmar’s 2008 constitution could be “revoked” under certain circumstances.

    Myanmar has seen two previous coups since independence from Britain in 1948, one in 1962 and one in 1988.

    Suu Kyi’s previous opposition to the military earned her the Nobel peace prize. But her international image was shredded during her time in power as she defended the military-backed crackdown in 2017 against the country’s Muslim Rohingya community.

    About 750,000 Rohingya were forced to flee into neighboring Bangladesh during the campaign, which UN investigators said amounted to genocide. Suu Kyi went to the United Nations to defend Myanmar against the allegations.

    Suu Kyi was only ever de facto leader of Myanmar as the military had inserted a clause in the constitution that barred her from being president.

    The 2008 constitution also ensured the military would remain a significant force in government by retaining control of the interior, border and defence ministries.

    But to circumvent the clause preventing her from being president, Suu Kyi assumed leadership of the country via a new role of “state counsellor”. “From (the military’s) perspective, it has lost significant control over the political process,” political analyst Soe Myint Aung told to news agency.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • ARAIN organizational structure meeting held in Riyadh.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh

    A meeting of Executive Body of ARAIN Organization held in Saudi Arabia. It was decided to organize in all regions of Saudi Arabia in addition to decide future course of action.

    Speaking at a meeting of Arain organization’s executive body in capital Riyadh, Bashir Ahmad Chaudhry, organization’s president in Saudi Arabia, said that organization’s aim was to increase its participation in welfare work.

    During lockdown and curfew  due to Pandemic Corona virus, we tried our best to ensure full support of our Pakistani brothers, which will continue in the same way, and by concluding organizational structure throughout Saudi Arabia, more welfare work will be extended.

    Muhammad Saeed Chaudhry appointed as president and Chaudhry Mushtaq Aziz as chief organizer for the capital Riyadh during the meeting. On this meeting, he said that we will effectively carry out organizational matters and will fully support welfare work of the community. General Secretary Waqar Naseem Wameq Chief Organizer Mujahid Nadeem Rame also addressed the meeting.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 70 Year old Pakistani taxi driver in New York passes away.

    Brooklyn,

    70-year-old Pakistani Rana Mohammad Ishaq passes away, an elderly taxi driver living in New York for a long time. He was usually drive a taxi for occupation. Two days ago he fell ill someplace in Brooklyn while drive his taxi and died of heart attack.

    The body of deceased was sent to Pakistan for burial. For hours no one knew that taxi driver’s soul had flown away. A passerby saw Rana Mohammad Ishaq faint in his taxi. He called police and then police rushed Mohammad Ishaq to hospital where doctors examined and declared him dead. According to doctors, deceased died of a heart attack. The late Rana Muhammad Ishaq belongs to Nankana Sahib District of Punjab province of Pakistan.


    The Pakistani Consulate in New York issued an emergency passport to send body of deceased to Nankana Sahib, after which body of Muhammad Ishaq has been flown to Pakistan from JF Kennedy Airport to his family.

    His friends were saddened by sudden death of Muhammad Ishaq. The Pakistani community prayed highest rank and for forgiveness of the deceased.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • ANP Saudi Chapter marks anniversary of Party founders.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh

    The Awami National Party (ANP) Saudi Arabia chapter organizes an online ceremony marking anniversary of Bacha Khan and Khan Abdul Wali Khan. The event was attended by Presidents and leaders of various regions of Saudia Arabia of ANP. Workers, party officials paid tribute to their leaders.

    Mr. Mian Iftikhar Hussain, Central General Secretary of ANP also addressed this important annual function from Pakistan. In his address, he urged the workers to understand life and struggle of Bacha Khan, Khan Abdul Wali Khan and adopt their lifestyle.

    General Secretary of ANP Balochistan Mr. Mahabat Khan Kaka, Central President of ANP Saudi Arabia, Syed Muzammil Shah Syed Zaman, President of Dammam Region, Habib Younis, President of Riyadh Region, Fakhr Alam, President of Jeddah Region also addressed function and highlighted the philosophy of non-violence

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • UK suspend flights from UAE, Burundi and Rwanda amid new wave of corona virus.

    Muqeem Ahmad, UK,

    The United Kingdom has banned direct flights from UAE since Friday, world’s busiest air route closure from Dubai to London. According to statistics, 190,000 passenger seats were booked on this route in the month of January.

    Along with UAE, British government has suspends flights from African countries of Burundi and Rwanda to protect against a new wave of corona virus.

    The British Transport Minister, Grand Shapps, said in a Twitter message that people belongs to these countries or who are coming from these countries on transit or temporary travel will not be allowed to enter UK. However, British and Irish citizens will be exempted.

    The UK is largest transit destination for Australians coming to UK and now cancellation of Emirates and Etihad flights has created major difficulties for passengers. The Australian government has indicated for convenience of its citizens, government will operate charter flights from London to Australia.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Saudi Interior ministry extends Travel ban

    Riyadh, Zaka Mohsin,

    The Saudi Interior Ministry says due to a continuous rise in corona virus cases, closure of airports, ports and border checkpoints has been extended.

    The Saudi Interior Ministry said in a statement that program for Saudi nationals travel to and from country had been changed. Travel restrictions will now be lifted from Monday, May 17, 2021.

    Earlier, it was announced that travel restrictions would be lifted from March 31, 2021. Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr. Tawfiq ar Rabiyah said that companies manufacturing COVID- 19 vaccine did not deliver vaccine as per schedule.

    Ar Rabiyah said that second wave of pandemic covid-19 hit many countries. The Saudi government was satisfied that country had a safe environment against virus before lifting travel bans.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • EU declares boing 737 safe for travel.

    Muqeem Ahmad, UK,

    The European Union (EU) has declared Boeing 737 Max safe for passenger use and allowed it to fly twice. The EU air safety agency European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has allowed Boeing 737 Max to fly back to Europe. The plane had two crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, 22 months ago resultant it was banned worldwide.

    The EASA has observed improvements in the aircraft’s cockpit software and better pilot training Boeing 737 Max has been declared safe for flight and its performance will be monitored in the future.

    199 people in Indonesia, and 157 Ethiopian Airlines passengers lost their lives in an air crash in Indonesia. The United States lifted the Boeing 737 Max ban in November, after which Brazil and Canada allowed Boeing 737 Max jet to fly.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Sikhs stage protest at Indian embassy in Frankfurt.

    Matiullah, Frankfurt,

    Industrial city of Germany, Frankfurt, notice the Sikh’s organization’s protest, two different Sikh organizations organized a demonstration in front of Indian Consulate on the occasion of Indian Republic Day, expressing solidarity with Indian farmers.

    Speaking on the occasion, speakers said that if the flag can be hoisted at Red Fort, then your government can also be overthrown. We are repeatedly warning Modi government that we will shut down the whole world. The demonstration was attended by the Sikh community from various cities in Germany.

    Considering the corona virus SOPs, mask is mandatory and social distance is taken into account. On this occasion, Gurumant Singh, Resham Singh Babar, Shekander Singh, Baba Sohan Singh. Addressing the protesters, Lakhwinder Singh and Mahi said, “We want to tell the Modi government that if the flag can be hoisted at the Red Fort, then your government can also be overthrown.

    “We are repeatedly warning Modi government. We will shut down the whole world. If you do not take back your black law, it will not be good for your government. The staff of the Indian Consulate had turned off all the lights and turned it dark, proving that it was not Democracy Day but Black Day.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Mou signed between EU and AstraZeneca

    Muqeem Ahmad, London

    Vaccine maker AstraZeneca and European Union have been embroiled in controversy over a vaccine supply agreement. EU calls for vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca to publish vaccine supply agreement. The two sides have been at loggerheads over vaccine delivery dates and timetables.

    According to AstraZeneca CEO, the agreement contains a clause on best practices and capabilities, which should not be linked to specific dates. In response, the European Union (EU) has said that the best efforts for non-existent products are a traditional and historical method. AstraZeneca announced in the first half of the year that it would reduce the supply of vaccines to the European Union.

    According to the top official of the European Union, at least 60% of the 31 million doses. Vaccine supply in the EU is cheap and difficult, and so is the former EU member, the United Kingdom.

    The agreement with EU AstraZeneca agreed to purchase 300 million doses of the vaccine, which included the vaccine’s usefulness to human health and approval from the watchdog.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • E-commerce portal launched in Saudi Arab amid growing demand of Pakistani goods.

    Zaka Mohsin, Saudi Arabia

    The demands for Pakistani goods in Saudi Arabia is growing, businessmen needs to invest in retail market, which will also strengthen Pakistani economy, while Pakistani embassy, commercial section in Saudi Arabia also includes Pakistani supermarkets in Saudi Arabia.

    Pakistan Embassy also cooperates in promotion for Pakistani goods so that demands can be met. Saudi Arabia is a huge market and there is a great demand for Pakistani goods but small and big markets in Saudi Arabia have less availability of Pakistani food items while their demand is high. Other foreigners including Saudi nationals also like Pakistani goods and buy them with enthusiasm.

    Pakistan has not been able to exceed US 500 million in exports for a long time, so it is important that Pakistani businessmen take advantage of this investment opportunities provided by Saudi government. In this regard, Azhar Dahar, Minister of Trade and Investment at Pakistan Embassy, said that he is in constant touch with businessmen and Pakistan government to open retail chain stores in Saudi Arabia.

    In light of online shopping trend, an e-commerce portal is also being launched so that consumption of Pakistani goods in Saudi Arabia can be increased in a better way and demands can be met.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Kashmir Movement Europe hold online Zoom conference on India Republic Day.

    Mateeullah, Germany,

    On Republic Day of India, an online zoom conference was organized by Kashmir Movement Europe in which it was announced that Kashmir Solidarity Day would be celebrated all over Europe on February 5

    KME President Muhammad Ghalib said that there is no democracy in India, Kashmiris are being massacred in guise of so-called democracy. Terrorism is on the peak, Kashmiris are being genocide and deception is being done in name of democracy.

    Kashmiris have no right to celebrate Republic Day by encroaching on their democratic rights. If Narendra Modi’s despicable intentions are not stopped, peace in the region is in serious danger. The UN and human rights activists should be constrained to resolve Kashmir issue in accordance with wishes and aspirations of Kashmiris so that India can take the path of peace and dialogue.

    Leaders of KME said that minorities were not safe even within India. Narendra Modi is today’s Hitler and Modi should be restrained so that he can stop massacre and abide by international agreements, he said, adding that Kashmiris should be given right to decide their own future.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 10 richest people can vaccinate whole world, Oxfam report

    Muqeem Ahmed, London,

    Oxfam, an organization working to eradicate poverty in the world, has released a report stating that Pandemic has widened gap between poverty and wealth in every country.

    According to global charity organization Oxfam, Corona pandemic has widened the gap between poverty and wealth in all countries of the world. The wealth of billionaires has skyrocketed, and on other end, poor have lost their jobs, incomes and savings.

    According to a report, 10 richest people in the world have made so much profit during Pandemic that whole world can be vaccinated.

    Gabriella Bouche, executive director of Oxfam, said that Corona pandemic has created an economic storm that has affected the poor, while women and underprivileged have lost income.

    Gabriella Bouche, Oxfam, executive director

    According to World Bank, 100 million people have fallen below poverty line due to pandemic.

    According to Oxfam, it can take 10 to 14 years for poor people to recovers from financial losses. Oxfam calls for short-term increase in taxes on wealthy individuals and large companies corporations to ensures employee safety. If global corporations were taxed more during pandemic, 104 billion dollars could have been raised in 2020 alone.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Rao Shokat Khan, elder brother’s Rao Shah Nawaz Khan, died in Okara.

    New York/ Okara

    A well-known PTI member and social activist in New York, Rao Shokat Khan, elder brother’s Rao Shah Nawaz Khan, died at 67 due to severe cardiac arrest in Okara, district of Punjab Province, Pakistan.

    Deceased Rao Shah Nawaz used to live in America and shifted back to Pakistan.

    Rao Shokat Khan, social activist and  member PTI, NYC .

    According to Rao Shokat, funeral prayers of deceased will be offered in his hometown. The Pakistani community in New York expressed their griefs on the death of Rao Shah Nawaz to his brother Rao Shokat.

    “May Allah raise Rao Shokat Nawaz Khan on highest ranks”, community prayed for deceased.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Javed Iqbal was passed away after long illness.

    New York,

    Javed Iqbal, a well-known elder of the Pakistani community in New York, had been ill for several days and was undergoing treatment at a hospital. Javed Iqbal, passed away after a long illness. Funeral prayers of deceased will be offered after Asr prayers on Wednesday.

    Funeral prayers will be offered at Makki Mosque on Coney Island Avenue after Asr prayers today.

    The body of deceased is also likely to be sent to Pakistan. The Pakistani community mourned the death of Javed Iqbal. Community prayed for forgiveness of deceased and said that he was a good man and could never be forgotten. May Allah raise Javed Iqbal ranks.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 100,000 riyals fine for COVID-19 SOPs violations, Saudi Interior Ministry

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh

    The Saudi Interior Ministry has ordered heavy fines for violating the Corona virus SOPs, with a fine of 100,000 riyals for gatherings of more than 50 people.

    The Saudi Interior Ministry has warned against overcrowding in homes, guesthouses or agricultural farms, and that SOPs be set up to prevent this. The Interior Ministry has said that it is against the law for more than five people to gather in one place.

    People who are not related to each other and who do not live in one place to gather more than prescribed number is also violation of law.

    The Interior Ministry says that organization responsible for first violation will be fined 50,000 riyals and each of participants will be fined 5,000 riyals. For the third violation, fine on institution and in-charge will be doubled while the participants and the invited persons will be handed over to public prosecution.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Exemplary steps of Pakistan for minorities becomes role models.

    Fazal Khaliq, D.C.,

    Pakistan will be only country in the world where Marriage Act is being implemented for minorities Sikh community according to their religious beliefs.

    The government of Pakistani is promoting religious tourism, and more facilities are being created for Sikhs coming to Pakistan in this regard.  This will make it easier for Sikhs around the world to get visas and visit their holy places.

    Addressing a function organized by PTI in Washington, Farooq Arshad, Advisor on Religious Tourism in Pakistan, said that Pakistan’s image is improving around the world and now Pakistan is known for protecting minorities.

    The promotion of religious tourism in Pakistan will bring economic stability to the country. In this regard, government is also appoints overseas coordinators. According to Religious Tourism Advisor, Pakistan will be the first country in the world where Sikh Marriage Act will be enacted soon according to religious beliefs of Sikhs. Junaid Bashir and Shahid Abbasi, senior leaders of PTI Washington also addressed the function

     Pakistan Army’s professionalism has significantly reduced incidence of terrorism in Pakistan, now country’s tourism, especially religious tourism needs to be promoted

    In such a situation, Pakistan’s tourist destinations can become the center of attention of the world, which can lead Pakistan to development and prosperity.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • German authorities plan to lockdown to curb severity of COVID-19

    Matiullah, Berlin,

    Germany is once again on verge of being cut off from world, with the possibility of a ban on air travel due to corona virus.

    According to German Interior Minister, due to deteriorating situation of corona virus, German cabinet has begun considering a on air travel ban.

    States where prevalence of corona virus is high, immediate action will be taken, international flights to other states will be closed and domestic travel will be restricted.

    According to reports, the German government has developed an Israeli-style plan to control the corona virus.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • UK Wedding in ICU amazed the world.

    Muqeem Ahmad, London,

    A British couple infected with the corona virus surprised the world by getting married in ICU.

    The young couple had planned a wedding in June, but after being infected with corona virus, when doctors told them they might not be able to live until then, they decided to hold a wedding at hospital.

    Many of hospital’s staff also performed wedding duties, from obtaining a marriage license to other arrangements. Expressing happiness on wedding occasion, a nurse said that concept of marriage is very interesting in these circumstances.

    Since the marriage organized in hospital, both bride and groom have been kept in same ward and given oxygen

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Bazm Yaran, the sounds of music in Riyadh

    Riyadh,

    The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is in throes of a cold winter In such a situation, Bazm Yaran the sounds of music make gray evening more attractive.

    Aqeel Qureshi Pakistan originated singer trembled his head in such a way that participants could not help but pay tribute to him.

    Aqeel Qureshi, a singer living in Saudi Arabia for a long time almost 40 years, touched the strings of his music in such a way that the listeners could not stay without praise.

    According to Aqeel Qureshi, I enjoys singing and continues to pursue his passion in presence of friends. While friends who listen to Aqeel Qureshi says that they were fond of his singing and listen to him with great interest and makes music more amused in these cold evenings.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Sikhs hoist Khalistan flag on Red Fort

    New Dehli,

    Thousands of farmers in tractor convoys burst through police barricades Tuesday to take their protest against agriculture reform to the heart of India’s capital, just as the nation marked Republic Day with a giant military parade. There were also reports that some protesters have raised the Khalistan flag on Delhi’s Red Fort.

    Indian police had earlier sealed most entrances to the city with containers and trucks, but had to use tear gas and batons as the farmers broke through.

    Some protesters reached a major intersection three kilometres (1.8 miles) from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government leaders watched tanks and troops parade past and fighter jets fly overhead.

    Modi waved to crowds and was driven back to his residence before any personal confrontation with the farmers, the biggest challenge his Hindu nationalist government has faced in its six years in power.

    Tens of thousands of farmers have camped on the outskirts of the capital since November, protesting against new laws that deregulate produce markets.

    Union leaders say the laws will allow private Indian conglomerates to take over the agriculture industry the rock bed of the economy and replace a system of purchases by the government at guaranteed prices.

    Authorities had agreed to let the farmers stage a tractor rally as long as they waited for the official Republic Day parade to finish.

    But flag-waving protesters on at least four major arteries climbed over or just pushed aside the barricades and concrete blocks and pressed on into the city. “We are going to show the government that we mean business,” said protester Nareesh Singh as he revved up his tractor and drove into a cloud of tear gas.

    Satnam Singh Pannu, head of one of the main farmer committees, said the protesters have enough supplies to keep their Delhi camps going for a year if necessary, and that there was “massive popular support” for the campaign.

    On one road, people on rooftops and threw petals on the tractor convoys. Elsewhere people cheered and applauded as the farmers went past waving Indian flags and blowing horns. The Republic Day ceremonies went ahead despite security concerns.

    Police manned barricades at intersections around the center of the city while soldiers with machine guns patrolled on many metro trains.

    The parade which featured Rafale jets newly bought from France was cut back this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, with the number of spectators on the Rajpath boulevard reduced from 125,000 to 25,000.

    Modi sent out Twitter greetings for the national holiday without mentioning the farmers. The government says the reforms will boost rural incomes and say the farmers have been manipulated by opposition parties. Ten rounds of talks between farm unions and ministers have failed to break the deadlock.

    The farmers have demanded the government repeal the laws, but the administration has only offered to delay implementation for 18 months. Smaller farmer demonstrations were held in Mumbai and Bangalore. Farmer leaders said a new mass rally would be held on February 1 when the government announces its annual budget plans.

    The occasion marks the day the constitution of India came into effect in 1950.

    According to the Indian media, the protestors have hoisted a flag on Red Fort that appears to be the Sikh flag.

    There was confusion regarding the flag as many believed it was the flag of Khalistan that was hoisted at the Red Fort. It is pertinent to mention that banned terrorist outfit Sikh For Justice had demanded the Khalistan flag to be hoisted on Republic Day.

    Many believed that it was the Khalistani flag that was unfurled at the Red Fort. However, even if it was the Sikh flag as is it was being claimed by some, hoisting it at the Red Fort on Republic Day makes the Khalistani motivations behind it abundantly clear.

    There have been attempts by Khalistani elements to hijack the current protests to further their own agenda. The Government had said the same at the Supreme Court. Later, Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu had said the same.

    There is complete anarchy on the streets of the national capital as the Delhi Police failed to prevent the anarchy that was unleashed by the protesting mob.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PACOLI fifth Free COVID-19 Test Camp in NYC

    Queens, NYC,

    The Pakistani American Community of Long Island (PACOLI) conducted a corona virus testing camp in the Queens area. Dozens of people have been tested for free at the camp

    Covid-19 cases and deaths continue to rise worldwide. The PACOLI organized a camp in collaboration with Fitoor Cafe in Queens area to diagnose COVID-19. People of all religions, regardless of race or color, were free tested..

    Speaking to Voice of South Asia on PACOLI free covid19 test camp, Senior Vice President Azra Dar and Comptroller Salman Sheikh said that virus can be controlled once if corona virus is diagnosed. So even if you do not have symptoms of corona virus, you must get tested for corona virus.

     

     

     

     

    The Pakistani-American couple who benefited from free corona virus test said, “We are very grateful to PACOLI.” Who have tested corona without any fee.

    PACOLI has held its fifth Free Corona Test Camp outside Fitoor Cafe. Earlier, organization conducted free tests on hundreds of people at four different locations.

    PACOLI members said that purpose of setting up a free testing camp is that the citizens who have not yet been able to get tested for Corona virus should come here and get tested. So that whole community can be protected from virus.

    Citizens at Free Testing Camp for COVID-19 Diagnosis and testing team took full care of Corona Virus Prevention SOPs.

     

    Read Also

    PACOLI free COVID-19 test facilities in NYC.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • MBS 5years PIF strategy for kingdom.

    Saudia Arabia,

    Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced a five-year Public Investment Fund (PIF) strategy for the kingdom.

    Crown Prince has said that total assets of PIF will exceed 70 trillion and 500 billion riyals in 2030. The government will add 150 billion riyals annually to Saudi economy through this fund.

    “Today we have approved PIF strategy for 2021 to 2025,” Saudi Crown Prince MBS said. They are central to the fulfillment of goals and ambitions of the state, he added.

    These include economic growth, better living standards, and sustainable development of all traditional and modern industries. “We have launched a number of key sector and investment projects with private sector,” he said.

    The PIF is a good partner. At first PIF was established in 1971, but since April 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, role of this investment fund has changed significantly. The fund has assets worth over 20 trillion. Presently PIF is the world largest independent fund.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan renowned elder personality Bashir Ahmad died in NYC

    Brooklyn,

    Bashir Ahmed, renowned elderly man from Pakistani community who lived in New York for a long time, died of a heart attack two days ago at a nursing home in Brooklyn. The late Bashir Ahmed was a resident of Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. The body of deceased will be sent to Pakistan today through Al Raayaan Funeral Services.

    Al-Rayaan Funeral Services found out that deceased’s family could not afford to relocate body to Pakistan, they appealed to community for help.

    The Pakistani community felt this pain. More than three and a half thousand dollars was deposited in Go Fund, Al-Rayaan Funeral Services fund for needy to send deceased’s bath, shroud and relocate body to Pakistan.

    Al-Rayaan Funeral Services has received body of late Bashir Ahmed from Nursing Home. after deceased’s bath, shroud and funeral prayers, body relocate from New York for Gujarat, Pakistan.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PACE Hot meal Distribution in Church of Long Island  

    Long Island,

    Pakistani American Community of Excellence (PACE) distributes halal hot meal to needy people in a church in long Island, New York

    In US, as in rest of the world, citizens are suffering financially from corona virus but in US, with spirit of service to humanity, Pakistani-American organizations are working to help people in need. Rations, free food, warm clothing has been distributed since beginning of pandemic.

    At a church on Long Island, PACE, in collaboration with Assemblyman Philip R. Ramos, distributes halal hot meal. Food was distributed equally to people of all faiths, regardless of race or color.

    Speaking to Voice of South Asia on the occasion, Assemblyman Philip R. Ramos said that from beginning of the Pandemic, PACE helps people in need and even in this severe cold, the organization would help humanity and the passion is admirable.

    Team members of PACE engaged in social service and said that purpose of distributing hot meal is to bring smiles on faces whose smiles have been taken away by pandemic.

    Dozens of people benefited from hot meal. All citizens, including team members of PACE, who were present for meal distribution, also followed Corona Virus Prevention SOPs.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Institution of Engineers Pakistan hold 55th Seminar in Riyadh

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    Institution of Engineers Pakistan Riyadh, Saudi Arabia held 55th Technical Seminar in Saudi Arabia in which Pakistani engineers participated while a large number of online participants were also part of the seminar.

    Speaking at a seminar of Institution of Engineers, Dr. Khurram Khan, a Pakistani professor at King Saud University, said that world is becoming more and more adapted to modern technology.

    Today, our banking system is computerized and connected to online system, so is our education system moving towards online system. In this age of development, vehicles will be a part of our lives under this system in next few years.

    This increases the importance of cybersecurity and next four million jobs will come from this sector, which requires the expansion of cybersecurity educational environment in Pakistan and it should be spread at government level so that our youth can benefit from it.

    In the seminar, SM Iqbal, Chairman of Institution, said that every year 96 students are being given scholarships in different universities of Azad Kashmir and we are doing our duty abroad so that the country can develop.

    Community Welfare Attaché of Pakistan Embassy Malik Muhammad Abu Bakar and others also spoke at the seminar.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 50 years old synagogue transformed to Islamic Community Cultural Center in New Jersey.

    New Jersey,

    There is no region of the world where voices of the greatness of the Creator of universe are not heard, but call to prayer resounds in New Jersey from a place that has been used as a synagogue for fifty years.

    Recently, Tajir Khokhar, a social figure of Muslim community, converts the Temple Bethlehem located in Parsippany area into a mosque and renamed it to Islamic Community Cultural Center New Jersey.

     

    On the first Friday of year 2021, a large number of worshipers led by Imam Sheikh Hassan Abu Naat of Al-Aqsa Mosque offered Friday prayers here.

     

    Social distancing was also taken for Covid-19 precautious measures during prayers. There is also a large parking space in Islamic Community Cultural Center. According to Tajir Khokhar, they are doing their best to provide all facilities to community, including funeral services, Sunday schools, inter-faith harmony programs and intellectual training activities for youth.

    “We want our community to not only gather here for Friday prayers, but also to participate in different activities or training session along with daily prayers,” he added.

    The purpose of all these activities is to keep the center and the community busy that is why the mosque has been named the Islamic Community Cultural Center.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Old century statues at London removes through public consultation.

    UK,

    Corporation votes to remove statues of 17th- and 18th-century figures at City of London. Both statue personalities were made money from slavery.

    William Beckford was a former mayor of London and made his fortune from extensive farming in Jamaica and employed slave labor, while John Cass was a Member of Parliament and held a senior position in Royal Africa Company and facilitated transfer of slaves.

    Statues of two will now be installed elsewhere in London. The London Corporation has launched a public consultation on slavery-related statues in the wake of “Black Lives Meter” protests in Britain and Europe following brutal killing of unarmed black George Floyd by US police in September last year.

    The anti-racist protests, which culminated in the demolition of a statue of Edward Colston, a slave merchant in Bristol, sparked a nationwide demand for the removal of colonial monuments in Britain.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Democrat leaders calls for transparent investigation into Russian President.

    Washington,

    Democrat politician Hillary Clinton and Nancy Pelosi have called for a transparent investigation into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role in the riots in US capitol. The two Americans accused the Russian president personally ordering riots in US capital and attacks on Congress, which made US laugh around the world.

    The US House Speaker conducted an exclusive interview with Hillary Clinton, failed US presidential candidate of 2016, on a podcast.

    In her interview, Hillary Clinton called for a 9/11 commission to investigate January 6 capital riots, alleging that Donald Trump was pursuing another agenda during his tenure.

    Talking to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on his podcast, she said that in order to investigate commotion in parliament, Donald Trump’s phone record should also be checked whether he was in contact with Russian President or not. At one point during the conversation, Hillary Clinton argued that President Donald Trump has another country’s agenda.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Modi staged Balakot drama to win elections, Mehbooba Mufti

    New Dehli,

    Former Chief Minister of Occupied Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti has said that Modi government staged the Balakot drama not to avenge the Indian soldiers killed in Pulwama but to give political advantage to his party BJP in the elections.

    In an interview, Mehbooba Mufti said that Indian Prime Minister Modi created the drama of Balakot to win the parliamentary elections and chat with Arnab Goswami, the favorite anchor of Modi government, also proved that Modi planned this drama only to win elections.

    It is to be noted that WhatsApp chats of Indian anchors Arnab Goswami were leaked according to which Goswami was already aware of Indian decision on Balakot and government decisions taken at the highest level regarding repeal of Article 370 and Modi was anti-Pakistan. He wanted to make the people happy with the stage action for gaining the popularity and to win the parliamentary elections.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PM Imran Khan instructs German Consulate for immediate problems solving.

    Matiullah, Berlin,

    On the instructions of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, an online open forum was organized by Pakistan Embassy in Berlin to listen the problems of Pakistani community.

    In an open session, several people from all over Germany, including Berlin-Brandenburg, raised their issues. Pakistan Ambassador, Dr. Muhammad Faisal, MRP Passport Director, Imran Yasir in presence of First Secretary Ali Raza and other officers issued instructions to solve the problems immediately, faced by community. Community also raises concerns over delays in dispatch of ID cards, passports and other passport related inquiries

    The Pakistan Ambassador said that an online inquiry has been started for Punjab from Berlin Embassy while an online inquiry will be launched from Frankfurt Consulate within next two months. The online inquiry is completed in one and half months.

    He also added that a limited number of works are being done around the world. We have also made a series of various applications online to stop the virus spread. While applicants must be belongs to Punjab for online Passport Inquiry.

    The Pakistan Ambassador said that many Pakistanis have died in Germany due to Corona virus. Due to lockdown, all funerals and condolence programs are restricted and prohibited. We express our condolences to the families of all deceased.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.