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Category: pakistan

  • Shipbuilding – A Numbers Game

    While experience grows among Indo-Pacific naval designers, order numbers remain crucial to keeping costs down and yards in business. The Indo-Pacific region has a significant number of shipyards that have the capability to undertake naval shipbuilding. However, depending on the sub-region and the country, the extent to which that capability has developed enough to build […]

    The post Shipbuilding – A Numbers Game appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • 70 years of Pak-China friendship celebrates by Ali Zafar and Xiang Minqi croon.

    Islamabad,

    Pakistani singer Ali Zafar’s creative approach to matters that demand a spark of innovation has caused the artist to stand out from the rest.

    Now he has come up with another outstanding initiative that speaks volumes of his ‘originality’ when it comes to creating art and then inspiring others through it.

    Singer Ali Zafar has introduced a new song to celebrate 70 years of Pak-China friendship in collaboration with Chinese singer Xiang Minqi croon.

    The 70th anniversary of such beneficial relations between the two countries demanded some protocol and Ali Zafar as always delivered.

    Actor Zafar declared that he had to learn some Chinese for the song which we think was worth it.

    Ali Zafar’s gesture was deeply appreciated by social media users and the comment section is covered with comments containing admiration and respect.

    President Xi said, ‘The 70-year-old friendship between China and Pakistan is rock-solid’.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Strong condemnations by journalists across Pakistan over Shahbaz Gill Misbehavior.

    Karachi, Pakistan,

    GM Jamali President PFUJ condemns and said that

    I urge Prime Minister Imran Khan to warn all his ministers, advisers and special assistants to treat journalists fairly. Especially when we go abroad, of course we talk about Pakistan only. Discuss the Pakistan dire situation, but such incidents damage the country reputations.

    The Prime Minister should take serious note of this as it is causing great agitation among journalists not only in Pakistan but also in abroad.

    Muhammad Rizwan Bhatti President Karachi Press Club said that

    It is the attitude of all PTI workers and leaders that they always take question negatively. This is what Shahbaz Gill did, instead of answering, he misbehave.

    “I condemn this incident on behalf of the Karachi Press Club and all journalists’ organizations, I also demand from Shahbaz Gill to immediately apologize to Azeem M. Mian for the incident and Just as he has been rude at an event same alike Shahbaz Gill apologizes openly.

     

    Ejaz Ahmad President Karachi Union of Journalists urges

    Imran Khan warn his ministers and advisers not to take this kind of attitude towards journalists. If they don’t want to answer a question, avoid it. This behavior does not suit them to use such nonsense for journalists.

     

    Lubna Jarrar Vice President K.U.J. said

    “It is very unfortunate that Prime Minister’s Adviser has treated and abused senior journalist Azeem M. Mian.

    Journalist is a part of society and they are the voice of the people, the ears and the eyes.

    If you are insulting a journalist, it means you are insulting your people and these people are your voters.

     

    Syed Hassan Abbas Former President of KFUJ said that

    “It is very unfortunate that Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan did not take notice of Shahbaz Gill’s behavior and no statement was issued by the Ministry of Information of Pakistan.

    Prime minister’s adviser, makes a lot of allegations against him in response to a question from a senior journalist. In My view Shahbaz Gill did not deserves this position under any circumstances.

     The Prime Minister of Pakistan should not only take Notice of this incident but also demand an explanation from Shahbaz Gill that why he took such an attitude.

    Shahbaz Gill should apologize for causing such a grief and anger among journalists across the country. He contaminated Pakistan’s image on national and international forums.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • KP Government Appoints Waqar Zaka as Crypto Expert.

    Islamabad,

    The talented social media sensation Waqar Zaka has been appointed as Crypto Expert by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government.

    Waqar took to Twitter and announces his greater achievement saying: “I have decided not to charge a single penny and I will provide all my services.”

    On the other hand, he had prompted the need for Pakistan’s government to legalize the use of cryptocurrencies in the country.

    Waqar Zaka also launched a Political Party Tehreek-e-Technology Pakistan and promises the Internet-Based Revolution In Pakistan.

    Efforts of Waqar Zaka later came into bloom as the government decided to launch a crypto advisory committee in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    Zaka had claimed in a brief tweet on May 4 that he was ready to pay off the country’s total debt through cryptocurrency, but that his only condition was that Prime Minister Imran Khan resign.

    Waqar Zaka wrote, “I can pay off PAK debt using crypto but the condition is Imran Khan should step down and let me run the country if not then Pakistanis should demand what solution respectable, olive plantation, tourism, anti-corruption lovers IK has. I challenge all Politician.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 57-nation, OIC resolution demands end to Israeli aggression

    Web Desk,

    The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has adopted a resolution demanding Israel to stop atrocious attacks on innocent Palestinian civilians in violation of international law and United Nations resolutions.

    The resolution was adopted by the Virtual Open-Ended Extraordinary Meeting of OIC’s Executive Committee at Level of Foreign Ministers on Sunday.

    The 57-nation league warned that the continuation of barbaric attacks by Israel would put regional stability at risk.

    The OIC asked Israel to respect Muslims’ access to Al Aqsa Mosque and stop settlers from forcibly evicting Palestinian families from their homes.

    Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud opened the meeting by urging the global community to end the escalation in violence and revive peace negotiations based on a two-state solution.

    He urged the world to play its part for a peaceful solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict.

    The United Nations Security Council came under fire for not playing due role to restore peace to the region.

    “De-escalation and the highest degree of restraint are important to avoid dragging the region to new levels of instability,” said UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem al-Hashimy.

    “The massacre of Palestinian children today follows the purported normalization,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said. “This criminal and the genocidal regime has once again proven that friendly gestures only aggravate its atrocities.”

    Zarif accused Israel of genocide and crimes against humanity.

    “Make no mistake: Israel only understands the language of resistance and the people of Palestine are fully entitled to their right to defend themselves,” Zarif said.

    “The plight of the Palestinian people is the bleeding wound of the Islamic world today,” Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammad Haneef Atmar said.

    Reportedly, more than 180 Palestinians have so far killed in Gaza with 1,230 people wounded in Israeli attacks.

    Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu called for an international protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians and told the OIC that Israel should be held accountable for war crimes and that the International Criminal Court could play a role.

    The OIC reiterated its rejection and condemnation of the ongoing Israeli settlement colonization of occupied Palestinian land, including East Jerusalem and the establishment of a racial segregation system there.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Human Rights Defender Rehana Hashmi Activist in Residence at Carleton

    On 12 May 2021, Carleton University’s Department of Law and Legal Studies welcomed human rights advocate Rehana Hashmi as the inaugural Activist in Residence (AiR). Hashmi will teach students and provide them with access to her first-hand experience and an international perspective.

    “I didn’t choose to become an activist,” says Hashmi. “I was forced into activism at age seven when my father went to prison for speaking out against the dictatorship. See: https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2015/01/14/rehana-hashmi-woman-human-rights-defender-from-pakistan/

    “Carleton is one of the first in Canada to start this type of program to help protect human rights defenders. They can come, rest, reflect, recharge and do their work without being silenced.”

    Building on the department’s successful participation in the Scholars at Risk initiative, the new AiR program provides a home base for human rights activists within an academic setting, particularly for those at-risk. Students and faculty will have the opportunity to learn from someone with personal, lived experience fighting to protect human rights.

    As part of the AiR program, Hashmi is working on a series of video interviews with human rights defenders from around the world. “When they are in exile, there should be mechanisms to protect them,” says Hashmi. “The Activist in Residence program is one way to do this.”

    Hashmi also teaches a fourth-year seminar on patriarchy, human rights and informal justice. Students learn how traditional patriarchal attitudes operate towards women and minorities seeking legal justice.

    “Students in the course get to learn from many human rights defenders,” says Hashmi. “Through online learning, we have been able to bring in experts from around the world. Recently, mothers from Palestine and Israel presented in a JurisTalk about how they lost their children, but are still doing reconciliation work.

    “Activists bring knowledge from the field to help students get a firsthand experience on how advocacy works. This knowledge narrows the gap between the Global North and Global South. Faculty and students benefit from stories from the field, but it also helps activists at-risk.”

    After being exiled from her home city for her activist work, Hashmi became even more involved with activism, giving shelter to women who were beaten or had acid thrown on them. Through Sisters Trust Pakistan, Hashmi helped victims of domestic violence and women and girls to break free of religious fundamentalism and forced marriages. This was just one step in her journey to support and protect the vulnerable.

    The challenges in Pakistan are more difficult for women like Hashmi who are fighting to defend human rights. Offenders target women’s children and extended families. Women can’t always leave when they are at-risk. They may have many obstacles including limited mobility, family and societal restrictions to consider

    https://newsroom.carleton.ca/2021/carleton-welcomes-inaugural-activist-in-residence-rehana-hashmi-human-rights-defender/

    This post was originally published on Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards.

  • More Bang for Your Buck

    Most Asian nations that operate fleets of legacy fighter aircraft continue to procure upgrade packages to increase capability and the extend service life of their jets. Around the Indo-Pacific, numerous upgrade programmes for American, European and Russian types are underway. One of the biggest fleets of fighter aircraft currently operated by an Asian nation resides […]

    The post More Bang for Your Buck appeared first on Asian Military Review.

    This post was originally published on Asian Military Review.

  • Pakistani bodybuilder Abdul Waheed proves age is just a number

    Batapur BRB, Lahore,

    A 60-year-old bodybuilder Abdul Waheed is setting an example for the young people with his impressive physique and fitness.

    Just before Ramazan, Ustad Abdul Waheed won the Mr Pakistan title. A few months earlier, he had won the Mr Punjab title as well. He has won a slew of other medals, mostly gold and a few silvers, along with titles such as Mr Lahore. He has his eye on the Mr Asia title now. “I believe the competition is circled in for winter, in Bangalore, India, if my information is correct,” he says. “I want to make a name for my country,” he adds.

    Growing up in Batapur along the Bambawali-Ravi-Bedian (BRB) Canal, where he still resides, the young Abdul Waheed was drawn to bodybuilding as a hobby at first. “I started building up my body at 16,” he says. “But at the time, I had no interest in taking part in competitions. I only liked to go to the gym and lift weights. The competitions came later, when my students got after me to enter myself. That was 20 years ago,” he smiles.

    His diet includes eggs, fish, oatmeal, chicken, minced meat, fresh and dried fruits and juices. Waheed wants to see the young people active. He has opened a club to train them as well.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Talat Siddiqui veteran film star dies at age 82

    Lahore,

    Highly-acclaimed Pakistani actor Talat Siddiqui died late on Saturday in Lahore at the age of 82. Sources close to the film and TV star revealed that he had been sick since quite some time.

    She was the mother of Pakistani actor Arifa Siddiqui and the aunt of singer Fariha Pervez.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • No travel plans on Eid, #StayHomeStaySafe, Asad Umar.

    Islamabad,

    Tourist spots across the country will remain closed during upcoming Eid holidays , Federal Planning’s Minister Asad Umar said in a tweet on Sunday, he reminded people that all tourist destinations will remain closed from May 8 to May 16. “Please do not come, or you will be turned back.”

    According to the minister, in an NCOC meeting, the chief secretaries from all units with popular tourist destinations were instructed to remind everyone about the restrictions and ensure they were followed.

    The government has placed a ban on all tourism activities across the country in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Travel nodes leading to tourist spots such as Murree, Galiyat, Swat, Kalam, and northern areas have been closed as well.

    Inter-province and inter-city transport have been banned as well except for the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan who return back home during the vacations.

    In Sindh, Sea View and beaches have been closed too. Earlier in the day, the government decided to close Ramazan Bachat Bazaars in Punjab.

    Pakistan on Sunday reported over 3,500 new COVID-19 cases and 118 deaths. The tally of infections has crossed 800,000 and the death toll is now over 18,600.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan to close Afghanistan, Iran land routes

    Web desk,

    Pakistan on Monday decided to temporarily ban the entry of people from Afghanistan and Iran to Pakistan via land routes, reported local news TV channel.

    The ban would be imposed for 16 days from tomorrow May 5 at 6pm to May 20 and no one passenger could be entered in Pakistani territories from Iran and Afghan borders.

    Therefore, Pakistani passenger could move from Pakistan to Afghanistan or Iran through the land routes as there would not be a ban on passengers traveling from Pakistan to Iran and Afghanistan.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Only One-Quarter Of Kazakhs Would Take A COVID-19 Vaccine

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • Lack of medical assistance at LRH, new born baby died outside labor room.

    Web desk,

    A woman Saturday gave birth outside the labour room at Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital as the security barred her to enter in the hospital.

    The baby died soon after birth due to lack of medical care, reported local News TV channel. The woman was taken to the hospital in a grave situation but she could not get into the labour room as the hospital security stopped her to enter.  She gave birth to the baby before reaching the gynecology’s facility of the hospital.

    On the other hand, security guards said that they had tried to help the lady but there was not enough time for it. The gynecology’s facility of LRH remains open for 24 hours for operations and deliveries.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Hong Kong bans flights for 2 weeks from Pakistan, India and Philippines.

    Web desk,

    Hong Kong will suspend flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines from April 20 for two weeks after the N501Y mutant COVID-19 strain was detected in the Asian financial hub for the first time, authorities said in a statement late on Sunday.

    The three countries would be classified as “extremely high risk” after there had been multiple imported cases carrying the strain into Hong Kong in the past 14 days, the government said.

    The city reported 30 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, 29 of which were imported, marking the highest daily toll since March 15. Hong Kong has recorded over 11,600 cases in total and 209 deaths.

    Hong Kong authorities have been urging residents to get vaccinated for coronavirus with only around 9% of Hong Kong’s 7.5 million residents vaccinated so far.

    The government last week widened the city’s vaccine scheme to include those aged between 16 to 29 years old for the first time, as they aim to boost lacklustre demand for inoculations amongst residents.

    Airlines impacted by Hong Kong’s ban on travelers from India, Pakistan and the Philippines include carriers such as Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong Airlines, Vistara and Cebu Pacific.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • US invites Pakistan to climate summit after initial snub

    Web Desk,

    The United States has invited Pakistan to ‘Virtual Leaders Summit on Climate’ which has been convened by President Joe Biden on April 22-23.

    However, the invitation has been extended to Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam by US climate envoy John Kerry.

    “On behalf of the President of US, it is my pleasure to invite you to be a distinguished speaker at the virtual Summit on Climate. We would like to ask you to join other Ministers and leaders on April 22 in a discussion focused on climate adaptation and resilience,” Kerry stated in a letter addressed to Aslam.

    Biden ignored Pakistan at his government’s first summit on climate-change to be held on April 22 and 23. The US president has invited 40 heads of state and government, including leaders of India, Bangladesh and Bhutan – from the South Asian region.

    Reacting to the country’s exclusion, Prime Minister Imran Khan had said that he was puzzled at the cacophony over Pakistan not being invited by the US to the climate summit.

    “My govt’s environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean & green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle.

    The premier referred to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s major initiatives aimed at environment protection, including the Green Pakistan, 10 Billion Tree Tsunami, nature-based solutions and cleaning up rivers etc.

    The Biden’s aide on climate said in the letter dated April 17 that the summit will bring together the world’s major economies and other partners for an urgent and dialogue on ways to strengthen our collective efforts to confront the climate crisis.

    “One of President Biden’s very first actions was to return the United States to the Paris Agreement, the framework embraced globally to guide our collective climate efforts. We are fully committed to working with all countries to strengthen climate ambition heading into the UN Climate Change Conference this November in Glasgow,” the letter read.

    Kerry wrote in the letter that to ensure that the summit includes other voices, the president has also invited the heads of additional countries that are especially vulnerable to climate impacts or are charting innovative pathways to a net-zero economy.

    “It is our hope you can contribute Pakistan’s valuable perspective to a session focused on climate adaptation and resilience, to be hosted by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • 35 years on last ball winning sixer, Miandad and Tauseef still remembered in golden words.

    Web desk,

    Thirty five years on, memory of the famous last-ball six in Sharjah still delights the nation and the hero on that day Javed Miandad is no exception.

    April 18 was the day when Miandad hit a six off the last ball of the innings delivered by India’s Chetan Sharma when Pakistan needed four to win. The victory gave Pakistan the 1985-86 Austral-Asia Cup and a moment that would be cherished for a long time to come, celebrating the win over their archrivals India.

    The legendary batsman was reminiscing the game’s most celebrated six as nation marked the 35th anniversary and cricket lovers share the video on twitter.

    Tauseef, the number 11 during the match, cleverly rotated the strike on the penultimate delivery to give Miandad the strike for the final ball.

    “What he [Tauseef] did was exceptional,” Miandad said while praising his former teammate. “It was a pressure situation and he deserves credit for my six because I got the strike due to his crucial single.”

    The former captain, while recalling the six, said it was still a lesson for cricketers.

    “This tells batsmen to stay at the wicket because runs can come anytime. It was one of the most memorable moments for me because it boosted our cricket and united the nation. I still remember it like yesterday.”

    Meanwhile, the batting legend came up with a unique suggestion of fielding 15-20 players in the team. “Why continue with 11 players per side. There was not much population in our times but now it has multiplied.

    “More players should be given a chance to play in a playing team.” The former captain said cricket is not played on laptops.

    “Cricketers are made after hard work under the scorching sun and not on laptops,” he said, while lamenting the current players’ unwillingness to learn.

    “Not a single cricketer has approached me to seek guidance yet. The hunger to learn is not present the way it used to be in our times.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • My Karachi Overseas Pakistanis, US based started charitable activities.

    New York,

    Karachi-based Pakistanis organization namely My Karachi Overseas Pakistanis, based in United States, has started its charitable activities in the city of Quaid at the beginning of Ramadan. Volunteers from the organization distributed rations door to door in different areas.

    My Karachi Overseas Pakistanis raised funds to help those in need in Karachi with donations from the Pakistani American community every year and this year too, on the occasion of Ramadan, the youth of the organization distributed rations in different areas of the city.

    Ration bags include flour, sugar, and different types of pulses, rice, ghee, syrup bottle, dates, basin, salt, various spices and soybeans.

    Volunteers of the organization say that whether it is Corona or Ramadan, my Karachi Overseas Pakistanis are always trying to help those in need in difficult times. It is our duty to help each other in difficult times and this charity is ongoing.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • COVID-19 And The Growing Gender Gap

    This post was originally published on Radio Free.

  • PM Imran Khan to open UN forum on financing for development today

    Islamabad,

    Prime Minister Imran Khan will deliver the Opening Statement at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Forum on Financing for Development (FFD) on 12 April 2021.

    The Forum will be held from 12-15 April 2021 under Pakistan’s Presidency of ECOSOC.

    The objective of the Forum is to mobilize adequate financial support to enable the developing countries to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the climate objectives. The Special high-level segment of the ECOSOC Forum is being held in response to a decision of the UN General Assembly.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan has been in the forefront of the international efforts to provide developing countries with the fiscal space and liquidity to respond to the current Covid-19 induced economic recession. The Prime Minister advanced the “Global Initiative on Debt Relief” for developing countries in April 2020 and, in January 2021, he proposed a 5-point financial action plan encompassing debt relief, creation and redistribution of Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) by the IMF, larger concessional assistance, mobilization of climate finance, and end to illicit financial flows from the developing countries.

    In his address, the Prime Minister will call on the international community to take bold and urgent decisions to respond to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 crisis, achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, and climate solutions.

    There are high expectations from the FFD Forum. Ten Heads of State/Government and 50 Ministers will participate in the Special Segment, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

    The Forum envisions 6 panel discussions revolving around the themes of resilient recovery, recurrent debt crises, pandemic response and recovery, liquidity for vulnerable countries, and a climate resistant future. Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Dr. Jehanzeb Khan, will also participate as a panelist.

    An Investment Fair is being organized virtually on the sidelines of the FFD Forum. Four countries, including Pakistan, will present specific sustainable development projects at the Fair. Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi will introduce Pakistan’s investment opportunities and projects to the investors at the Fair.

    The 4-day FFD Forum will be presided over by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Munir Akram.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Indus Hospital & Health Network to Establish Pediatric Oncology Unit in Balochistan

    Karachi,

    The Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Initiation and Management of Pediatric Oncology Unit at the Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Quetta on April 11, 2021.

    The signing ceremony took place at The Indus Hospital, Korangi Campus. Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, Chief Executive Director, IHHN and Noor-ul-Haq Baloch, Secretary Health, Government of Balochistan signed the MoU.
    Health Department, Government of Balochistan has the mandate to deliver quality healthcare services to the people through an efficient and effective service delivery system, which is accessible, equitable, culturally-acceptable, affordable, and sustainable. It aims at improving the health and quality of life of the people by providing them access to the essential healthcare services.

    According to the MoU, the Health Department intends to handover management and operations of the Pediatric Oncology Unit situated at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Quetta to IHHN and IHHN has agreed to undertake the responsibility in accordance with the terms and conditions mentioned in the agreement.
    IHHN has a mission to alleviate suffering of the poor and the needy through provision of quality healthcare services by establishing and managing primary, secondary and tertiary care hospitals. The Network provides quality care without any charges and in order to do so it employs modern methods of curative and palliative therapy. IHHN provides free treatment to every patient without any discrimination of caste, creed, color, socio-economic status, gender, religion, and political association. IHHN has a proven and successful track record of providing best medical care throughout the country.

    Dr. Shamvil Ashraf, Executive Director Medical Services, IHHN; Salim Razzaq Tabani, Member, Board of Directors, IHHN; and Dr. Rafie Raza, Head of Pediatric Oncology, IHHN were also present at the signing ceremony.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PML N Al-Kharaj chapter celebrates the victory of NA-75 by election.

    Zaka Mohsin, Riyadh,

    PML N President Chaudhry Amanat Ali convened a meeting at Al-Kharaj city of Saudi Arabia on the victory of Syeda Noshin Iftikhar in NA-75 by-election, which was also attended by PML-N Riyadh officials.

    On the occasion, Chaudhry Amanat Ali said that PML-N is not the only political party in the country which can run Pakistan in a better way under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and also solve the country’s problems.

    PML-N Riaz Region President Khalid Akram Rana said that people of NA-75 Daska have expressed confidence, just as the same PML-N will come to power in the next elections with public support from all over Pakistan. PML N will revive the stalled economic growth.

    Zahid Latif Sindhu, Mirza Munir Baig, Tahir Salim and others also addressed the meeting

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Teenager among five killed by Indian soldiers in Kashmir

    Government forces killed five suspected rebels, including a teenager, in gun fights in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said on 11 April.

    Rebellion

    The back-to-back clashes began late on 10 April. This was after troops cordoned off two villages in southern Kashmir’s Shopian and Bijbehara areas, based on intelligence that anti-India militants were hiding there, police said. Three militants were killed and two soldiers wounded in Shopian, inspector general Vijay Kumar told reporters.

    One of the dead militants was a teenage boy who, according to officials, had joined rebel ranks few days earlier.

    Kumar said several attempts were made to seek the trapped militants’ surrender but they refused.

    Indian forces killed two more militants in the second clash in Bijbehara, Kumar said. Forces have killed at least 15 militants so far this month. A policeman and an army soldier have also been killed.

    India Kashmir Violence
    Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard in Shopian, south of Srinagar in Indian-controlled Kashmir (Dar Yasin/AP)

    Kashmir

    In a surprising decision, in March India and Pakistan agreed to reaffirm their 2003 ceasefire accord along the de facto frontier dividing Kashmir between the two sides.

    However, a crackdown by Indian forces has continued inside the Indian-held portion. Both countries claim the divided territory in its entirety.

    Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebel goal that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

    Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels, and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

    By The Canary

    This post was originally published on The Canary.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • $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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Pakistani government accused of ‘sabotaging’ rights watchdog

    Islamabad high court orders government to fill vacant post at head of National Commission for Human Rights

    The prime minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, and his government have been accused of trying to “sabotage” the country’s independent human rights watchdog to prevent accountability for mounting abuses and oppression.

    Legislators, activists and lawyers told the Guardian that Khan’s government “punished” and immobilised Pakistan’s National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) over reports that it had produced into human rights abuses and torture carried out by the military, which plays a powerful role in running the country.

    Continue reading…

    This post was originally published on Human rights | The Guardian.