FARUKH SHEHZAD

22 new coronavirus cases were registered in Kyrgyzstan for the past 24 hours, the nation-wide operative team for coronavirus containment reported.

These new cases included 130 in Bishkek, 22 in Osh, 93 in Chui region, 51 in Issyk-Kul region, 45 in Osh region, 24 in Jalal-Abad region, 22 in Osh, 21 in Batken region, 20 in Talas region, 16 in Naryn region.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases since March reached 68,316.

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COURTESY AKIPRESS

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GILGIT: An independent candidate, who was declared victorious in recently held general elections in Gilgit Baltistan (GB), has joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

According to details, Wazir Saleem was declared winner from GBLA-9 Skardu-3 as an independent candidate. He announced to join PTI after meeting with the Chief Organiser Saifullah Khan, in which. Federal Minister For Nothern Areas and Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Gandapur, Governor GB, and other senior PTI leaders were also present.Welcoming the joining of Wazir Saleem, Saifullah Khan Niazi said that the people of GB buried the anti-state narrative of the opposition parties in the general elections held on November 15.

He said that PTI is heading to form a strong government in the area. The PTI stalwart also vowed to address issues being faced by the people of GB.

Unofficial results showed that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) took lead in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) election 2020 by grabbing victory in 10 constituencies followed by seven seats won by independent candidates out of 23 seats of the region’s Legislative Assembly.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had also expressed happiness over the victory of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in GB polls and said that voters have rejected Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM)’s narrative.

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COURTESY DNA NEWS

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KABUL, NOV 19 - Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday was given a warm reception at the Afghan Presidential Palace as he arrived in the neighboring country on his maiden visit.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani received Prime Minister Khan on his arrival at ARG Presidential Palace, situated in the heart of Kabul city.

The Prime Minister reviewed the guard of honour presented by a contingent of Afghan forces.

President Ghani and Prime Minister Khan introduced each other with their respective delegations.

Later, the two leaders proceeded for a meeting to be followed by delegation-level talks.

Earlier, Afghan Acting Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar and Afghanistan’s Special Representative for Pakistan Umer Daudzai received the prime minister at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

The Prime Minister’s entourage included Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, PM’s Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Director General Inter Services Intelligence Lt Gen Faiz Hamid, Special Representative for Afghanistan Muhammad Sadiq and senior officials.

Pakistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan and the embassy officials were present.

On the invitation of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, this is Prime Minister Imran Khan’s first visit to Afghanistan since he assumed office in 2018.

The programme in Kabul includes tete-e-tete with President Ghani, delegation-level talks, and joint press stake-out.

The focus of the talks between two leaders will be strengthening of bilateral relations, the Afghan peace process and regional economic development.

The Prime Minister’s visit is part of regular high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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Courtesy DNA NEWS

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Norwegian has won High Court protection from creditors for its key Irish subsidiaries as the carrier begins the latest bid to salvage its struggling operations.

Justice Michael Quinn appointed KPMG partner, Kieran Wallace, as interim examiner to Irish-based Norwegian Air International, Arctic Aviation Assets DAC and three other companies.

The Irish subsidiaries named their parent, Norwegian Air Shuttle, as a related company.

The court granted a total of six entities interim protection from their creditors.

The case is due back before Quinn on December 7th.

Norwegian Air went to the Irish High Court as its subsidiaries there hold most of its aircraft.

Jacob Schram, chief executive of Norwegian, argued that seeking Irish court protection to re-organise the business would benefit workers, customers and shareholders.

“Our aim is to find solutions with our stakeholders that will allow us to emerge as a financially stronger and secure airline,” he added.

The purpose of the process is to reduce debt, downsize the fleet and secure new capital.

The process is estimated to take up to five months.

Norwegian said it planned to operate its route network (currently limited due to the Covid-19 situation) and trade as normal on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Børs).

Schram added: “Our intent is clear - we will emerge from this process as a more financially secure and competitive airline, with a new financial structure, a rightsized fleet and improved customer offering.”

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Courtesy Breaking Travel News

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Qatar Airways has finalised a codeshare agreement with Air Canada applicable for travel between Doha and Toronto.

Sales have started, with the first codeshare flights to operate from December 15th.

The agreement is designed to reinforce Qatar Airways’ commitment to Canadian passengers, and to boost Canada’s global connectivity.

Qatar Airways’ passengers can now enjoy seamless, one-stop connections to and from Toronto via Hamad International Airport.

Air Canada passengers will benefit from being able to book travel on Qatar Airways’ flights between Toronto and Doha and onwards to more than 75 destinations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are delighted to secure this strategic codeshare agreement with Air Canada to provide our travellers with a seamless journey to and from Toronto with excellence in state-of-the-art and sustainable aircraft, safety, comfort and onboard service.

“The agreement will increase choices for thousands of passengers and allows for smooth connectivity to a significant number of new destinations – particularly throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

“By harnessing our complementary strengths, this agreement will also provide benefits to aid the recovery of international travel.”

Qatar Airways began flying to Canada in June 2011 with three weekly flights to Montreal that expanded to four weekly in 2018.

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COURTESY BREAKING TRAVEL NEWS

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Amidst the celebrations as Karachi Kings were crowned Pakistan Super League 2020 champions, many remembered Dean Jones — the late coach whose contributions and hard work empowered the team towards their win.

Dean's commentary, wit and love for Pakistan had won many hearts instantly. And his loss was felt by the nation collectively.

Acknowledging the contributions of the Karachi Kings' late coach, captain Imad Wasim spoke fondly of him as thousands watching could feel the deep sentiments across their screens.

"Dean Jones, of course, gets credit because what he taught us, very few coaches in the world can," he declared, and seems like he wasn't the only one who was missing Dean.

Wasim Akram, too, remembered his buddy..

"You were meant to be here with us today but unfortunately life had other plans. I know nothing could keep you away from your boys and where ever you are, you will be watching and cheering us on. This one's for you," he said before the match.

Following the victory, the former cricketer deemed it bittersweet.

"In my career, the teams who played and sacrificed FOR each other, who were committed TO each other and believed whole-heartedly IN each other, were the only teams who truly succeeded! Dean Jones."

Shaniera Akram also echoed similar sentiments.

Man of the hour, star Babar Azam honoured his coach, sharing the sweetest picture.

"This is for you Deano," he posted.

Dean Jones is survived by his wife Jane, who personally congratulated the boys, thanking the entire nation for the love they extended to honour her husband.

"Congratulations Karachi Kings on a great win tonight!" she posted. "Deano would be so emotional and happy for his boys who have worked so hard under extreme circumstances," thanking the Akrams, Imad and all of Pakistan for their love and support.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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The United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended the issuance of visit visas to a dozen countries, including Pakistan, until further notice, Foreign Office Spokesperson Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri confirmed on Wednesday.

The decision by the UAE authorities is "believed to be related to the second wave of Covid-19", Chaudhri said in a statement.

"We are seeking official confirmation from the concerned UAE authorities in this regard," he said.

In a statement, Chaudhri clarified that the suspension will not apply to visas that have already been issued.

The development was confirmed by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez, who said that written instructions had not been issued to the airline so far. He said that people holding iqama, transit and work visas were still allowed entry in the UAE.

It was not immediately clear how many categories of visas would be affected by the suspension. The UAE has various visa categories including business, tourist, transit, student etc.

In June, when cases in Pakistan were on the rise, UAE airline Emirates had announced temporary suspension of passenger services from Pakistan till July 3. The decision came after around 30 Pakistanis who arrived in Hong Kong onboard an Emirates flight tested positive for the virus. The airline resumed its flights in July.

In August, Kuwait's aviation banned commercial flights to 31 countries, including Pakistan, regarded as 'high risk' due to the spread of the coronavirus

The number of infections has been rising in Pakistan since late last month and authorities have declared that the country was witnessing the second wave of Covid-19.

For the past six days, Pakistan has recorded more than 2,000 daily cases of the novel coronavirus and officials have warned that the positivity rate of the disease has increased, especially in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Hyderabad etc.

On Monday, Prime Minister Imran Khan had urged the people to "act as a nation" in order to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The premier announced new restrictions on public events, including the suspension of his party's political rallies, and stressed the implementation of mask-wearing and social distancing to control the spread of the virus.

"This is the time to take precautions. If we do, we can slow down the virus. Just like earlier we were saved due to following precautions, that time has come again," he said, noting that Covid-19 cases in Pakistan had increased by four times in the past two weeks.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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• Asks industrialists to invest without hesitation, improve workers’ wages
• Says automation at FBR to stop human interaction, harassment
• Claims new LG system to ensure development in all districts

FAISALABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan says the government is trying to promote industrialisation in the country which will ultimately help create wealth and generate jobs, paving the way for getting rid of foreign debt.

Addressing a select gathering of industrialists and traders at a hotel here on Wednesday, he said industrialisation in Pakistan would increase export and “we are working for ease of doing business to create jobs and eliminate poverty”.

The premier said: “We are going for automation at the FBR to stop human interaction and [alleged] harassment and have given incentives to exporters and ultimately our exports have surged by the grace of God.”

He said poverty had increased in India and, on the contrary, “our decisions secured the economy, industry and people as well and I pay tribute to my team of National Command and Operation Centre which kept feeding us on Covid-19”.

He said [Industries Minister] Hammad Azhar, the State Bank of Pakistan governor and others worked hard to keep the economy secure from the impact of coronavirus.

The prime minister warned the participants to use mask as the country is hit by the second wave of Covid-19.

He said the situation was worst in Faisalabad when power loom units were being closed. However, he said, he had been informed that [now] the industrialists were facing shortage of workforce. He asked Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to establish institutions for producing skilled manpower for the industry.

PM Khan asked the industrialists to invest without hesitation as the government would facilitate and help them so that wealth and jobs could be created.

“We would keep getting input from the industrialists for development. The construction industry is about to take off as we have also announced a package for the first time for it,” he said, adding that the State Bank had never extended any help to the industry and the construction sector which it has done now.

The premier asked the industrialists to improve wages of workers.

When a participant demanded establishment of a Lahore High Court bench in Faisalabad, Mr Khan said the bench should be at all divisional levels to ensure justice at the doorstep of masses and it was a responsibility of the government to ensure facilities for public.

Talking about the local government elections, the prime minister said the old local bodies system failed to deliver and the government was going to introduce a system which would ensure development in all districts. He said the mayor would be elected through a direct ballot and then he (mayor) would elect his cabinet.

“Developed cities across the globe like New York, Tehran and London are being run like a country and their mayors play a key role,” he added.

“If we spend hefty budget on Lahore from the provincial development funds then this approach will leave other districts far behind,” he said, adding that the government would spend on all districts.

He said roads of Faisalabad would be improved soon and similarly a mega project for Karachi would also be implemented.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar, Minister of Industries and Production Hammad Azhar, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar and Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar were also present on the occasion.

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COURTESY DAWN NEWS

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He said that the CCoE initiative is conceived to provide the platform to the leading universities of Pakistan and the universities of the OIC member states to showcase their achievements

ISLAMABAD – The OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Pakistan launched “COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE)” on Wednesday comprising of leading academic and research institutions of Pakistan and OIC member states in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

CCoE is launched under the “Science Diplomacy Initiative” of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Government of Pakistan. 

Mr. Sohail Mahmood, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan said that the higher education institutions are shaping the future of Pakistan. He said that the CCoE initiative is conceived to provide the platform to the leading universities of Pakistan and the universities of the OIC member states to cooperate, collaborate and showcase their achievements. He informed that the MoFA has launched multipurpose science diplomacy initiative to create linkages between partners and popularize science. He said that this forum will help in trade boost. The Foreign Secretary mentioned that COMSTECH has responsibility to enhance science, technology and innovation in OIC member states and commended the current efforts of COMSTECH and its leadership for initiating new projects like CCoE.

The launching ceremony of CCoE held at COMSTECH under the chairmanship of Coordinator General, COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary while Mr. Sohail Mahmood, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan were the chief guest. The Vice Chancellors and senior officials of Quaid e Azam University, Islamia University Bahawalpur, National University of Sciences and Technology, Government College University, Lahore, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, and University of the Punjab.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary, said the purpose of CCoE is to put our efforts to achieve excellence in partnership. He said that Pakistan has done a lot in the area of science and technology and now its time reap the benefit by showcasing Pakistan. He said that this forum would bring technology to Pakistan and would help in internationalization of the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The COMSTECH – MoFA collaboration will open new avenues in science diplomacy. Dr. Iqbal mentioned that COMSTECH being the apex body in OIC science arena gives Pakistan a leading role in the area of science technology and innovation. He discussed the current state of OIC member states and provided a comprehensive report of COMSTECH activities.

Vice chancellors and senior officials of the CCoE founding member universities of Pakistan shared current programmes. They also offered their cooperation and support to collaborate and cooperate under the umbrella of CCoE.

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Ambassador of Azerbaijan Ali Alizada thanks Pakistan for support; speakers highlight valiant struggle of Azerbaijani armed forces

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Ali Alizada has thanked Pakistan govt and people of Pakistan for whole-heartedly supporting Azerbaijan on the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh.

He expressed these views while speaking on the occasion of seminar organized by Measac Research Institute (MRC) on Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict, military and political resolution in collaboration with the Embassy of Azerbaijan.

Message of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was also screened on the occasion. The Azerbaijan president described events that led to war and how Armenian aggression left Azerbaijan with no option but to go into war to defend its territories.

Ali Alizada praised the organizers and speakers. He talked about the latest provocations, aggression and war crimes of Armenia against Azerbaijan, and the successful peace enforcement operation and victory of Azerbaijan on this conflict.

He thanked Pakistan for the political and moral support extended for the just cause of Azerbaijan. Diplomats and opinion makers applauded this intellectual activity within bounds of COVID -19 environment.

Mohammad Abdullah Hamid Gul Director General Measac Research Centre (MRC) introduced the subject. Seminar was attended by Ambassadors and diplomats of Islamic countries, retired Generals and Brigadiers. Brigadier (R) Abdul Rahman Bilal, analyzed all salient facets. Senator Talha Mahmud covered the humanitarian aspect of the conflict. The country of Azerbaijan liberated its occupied territories from Armenia.

Arsalan Ayaz was the mediator of proceeding who thanked the participants from different walks of life for their active participation and value inputs in the discussion.  On this occasion defense experts including , General ( R) Amjad Shoaib, Gen ( R) Asad Duranj , Maj Gen Shamriaz, Brig (r) Asif Haroon Raja, media analyst Dr. Shahid Masood ,  Dr. Zafar Jaspal, were also present.

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COURTESY DNA NEWS

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ISLAMABAD, NOV 18 – Rejecting PM’s offer to the opposition to discuss electoral reforms, Parliamentary Leader of the PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman said, “The PTI led government should first accept responsibility for rigging elections in Gilgit Baltistan and then talk about reforms.

This sudden interest in electoral reforms seems extremely dubious when all these years they have done nothing about it”.

She said, “The government openly violated election rules. According to the Election Act, 2017, the federal government is not allowed to campaign on the ground. On top of all this, the PM also decided to add to this flagrant rigging and misuse of federal resources by landing in GB to campaign few weeks ago. It is shocking that Form 45s were filled even before polling ending. This was blatant rigging by PTI”.

“A parliamentary committee was formed earlier for comprehensive reforms but instead of going through that, they are now talking about electoral reforms.

This just reflects the federal government’s non-serious attitude. When it came to Kashmir or Gilgit Baltistan, PM did not take the opposition into confidence but now he wants to talk to the opposition to get these reforms passed?” she questioned.

She said, “This government was formed as a result of RTS failure. They are unable to control inflation, how will they handle e-voting? There are reports that e-voting is prone to hacking and not completely secure.

Accountability starts at home and the government should first focus on what they have done in the GB elections before talking about reforms”.

Parliamentary Leader of the PPP in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman concluded by saying, “This government has no credibility. Tabahi sarkar is just finding ways to complicate and rig the elections. We are well aware of their intentions and incompetency”.

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