Sunday, 4 April 2021
JOHANNESBURG, APR 4: South Africa held out to level the ODI series 1-1 with a 17-run win over Pakistan on Sunday that was much closer than it should have been because of Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 193 in a losing effort.
Fakhar’s score came from 155 balls and he hit 18 fours and 10 sixes to give South Africa a big scare in the second one-day international.
Fakhar was run out off the first ball of the last over in unusual fashion. He was running back to the striker’s end for two when he slowed down, thinking the throw from fielder Aiden Markram was going to the other end. It wasn’t and a direct hit found Fakhar short.
Even if Fakhar was there to see it through, Pakistan still faced the very steep task of getting 31 off that last over to win.
South Africa’s success was down to a thorough batting display, with 80 from opener Quinton de Kock, 92 from new captain Temba Bavuma and half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen (60) and David Miller (50 not out).
Van der Dussen’s 60 came from just 37 balls and Miller’s 50 from 27 deliveries to give South Africa late impetus to post its big total of 341-6.
South Africa’s bowlers then quickly worked through Pakistan’s top order in the chase, with the exception of Fakhar.
Fast bowler Anrich Nortje took 3-63 and the highest score for Pakistan other than Fakhar’s 193 was 31 from captain Babar Azam.
First ODI
South Africa's victory comes on the back of Pakistan's last-ball win in the first ODI at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.
Batting first, South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen hit 123 not out, his maiden international century.
But South Africa's total of 273 for six did not seem enough as Babar and Imam-ul-Haq (70) put on 177 for Pakistan's second wicket, taking them to within 88 runs of victory with 18.2 overs left before Babar was caught behind off Nortje.
During the first ODI, Babar Azam had hit a stroke-filled 103 off 104 balls but his dismissal had started a collapse in which fast bowler Anrich Nortje took four wickets in four overs.
Four wickets fell for 17 runs.
Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan steadied the innings in a partnership of 53 but both were dismissed in the closing overs before Faheem Ashraf hit the winning run off the final ball.
The series-deciding final game is on Wednesday.
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ISLAMABAD, APR 4: Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated on Sunday that the third wave of the coronavirus was extremely dangerous in comparison to the previous two waves, urging the masses to strictly follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Addressing the nation ahead of a question-and-answer session with the public, the premier cautioned that the government would be forced to impose major restrictions if people didn't start adhering to the Covid-19 guidelines.
"I have noticed ... people are not caring [and] are not taking precautions while going out in public," Imran said, warning that such an attitude could have dangerous consequences and lead to the spread of the disease.
"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. But if this spreads, it will have a very negative impact and we will be forced to take steps."
Prime Minister Imran said the country could have plunged into a severe economic crisis if the government had imposed a lockdown for a second time. “blessed Pakistan especially and saved us from the looming danger,” he added.
The premier said no one could predict with certainty how far the third virus wave would go.
“I request you to wear a mask wherever you go; it costs nothing and is highly beneficial, and the world has recognised its advantages,” he told the nation.
The premier noted that the most affected segment due to lockdowns were the poor across the world, saying according to an estimate 150 million people had gone below the poverty line in the wake of the closure of businesses and economies.
With more than 4,700 daily Covid-19 cases confirmed on Saturday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) had issued guidelines for Ramazan, banning the entry of people older than 50 years and adolescents in mosques/imambargahs for prayers and advising the people to perform Aitikaf at home.
On March 31, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan had disclosed that 0.8 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine had been administered in Pakistan, saying the campaign would be further sped up.
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Exclusive by Mr. Waqas
ISLAMABAD, APR 4: ZEM Builders have risen to the occasion by announcing that they have partnered with giants of PSL, Islamabad United. After much speculations, it was confirmed by both parties that they have indeed joined forces for the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
About the partnership
It was only a matter of time before two of these giants joined hands and that moment came when the CEO of ZEM Builders in Bahria Town Rawalpindi, Zeeshan Qureshi, stepped out to announce that his real estate agency has collaborated with the greatest team that has ever stepped on the PSL pitch, Islamabad United. He commented regarding the partnership, “PSL is the most awaited T20 cricket event of the year, and we are proudly announcing our partnership with Islamabad United. Islamabad United is a prestigious team of PSL, and we’re delighted with this partnership.”
“I feel that it is a pleasure for us to partner with
Islamabad United that performed well in previous PSL seasons. It (Islamabad
United) also shares our vision of the betterment of Pakistan, ensuring good
quality. We wish them the best of luck for this season of PSL.”
The owner of Islamabad United, Ali Naqvi, was also thrilled
to announce that ZEM Builders have the official sponsors of the Islamabad
United for PSL 6. He commented “We are pleased to partner with one of the
leading real estate companies in Pakistan. Their pursuit of excellence is one
that we share. Their (ZEM Builders) presence in the twin cities region of
Islamabad and Rawalpindi makes them an obvious partner for us.”
Zem Builders
Being the best Real Estate Agency In Islamabad is not an easy task, but the ZEM builders have managed it quite successfully. ZEM builders have done wonders for the past few years. They have been in the field of Real Estate for at least 15 years, and in these 15 years, ZEM builders have provided hundreds of luxurious homes and lands that have become a heaven for the customers.
ZEM Builders have achieved much in a short period of time
due to a variety of reasons. The major reason behind this is the manifest
service the ZEM builders have provided to the customers. Some of their projects
include Lake Vista, Skylark, Liberty Tower, ZEM Ark, ZEM Ark 2, and Urban Nest.
ZEM Gardenia is the latest project of these real estate tycoons that is bound
to become the next big thing due to its architectural brilliance at the prime
location.
Islamabad United
Islamabad United has made sure that the standards of the PSL
stay high. Islamabad United has won the most number of trophies for not only
themselves but, they have enhanced the standards of the PSL tenfold with their
victories. The reason behind this is that Islamabad United has won not only
victories but they have provided entertainment to the spectators.
Islamabad United has set high standards with the selection
of players as well. Islamabad United has chosen players who are in the top
rankings of the T20 format. Like Dawid Malan who is the number one batsman in
the format at the moment. Due to this, Islamabad United has set high standards
for the league.
Mutual objectives
There are not many organizations that can compete with ZEM
Builders and Islamabad when it comes to working for the betterment of Pakistan.
They have both become an inspiration for organizations across the country for
their unprecedented approach towards improving the living standards and sports
facilities in not only the twin cities but all across Pakistan. This
partnership would have surely given their mission a boost.
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Saturday, 3 April 2021
BUCHAREST, APR 3: Romania's Environmental Guard intends to buy almost 50 drones equipped with state-of-the-art sensors that will be used to monitor air quality and pollution levels across the country, the institution's head Octavian Berceanu told Digi24. Data collected by the drones will also be used to create maps of risk areas.
"We need drones. We will buy drones with air quality
sensors, gas sensors, thermal sensors [...], and multispectral sensors,"
Berceanu said.
The multispectral sensors will help the authorities determine the level of vegetation degradation, he explained.
After purchasing the drones, the Environmental Guard also plans to use the collected data to create maps of risk areas and issue pollution alerts.
Air pollution is a major issue in Bucharest and other big
cities in Romania. In mid-March, for example, the capital has recorded worrying
air pollution levels, with many of the sensors of an independent air quality
monitoring network showing high particulate matter PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollution
levels across the city. At that time, Environmental Guard representatives said
the main cause of the spike in air pollution was the illegal burning of used
car tires in localities around Bucharest.
According to a report released in October 2020, pollution costs EUR 166 billion per year in Europe. In Bucharest, the annual cost of air pollution is EUR 6.3 billion - the second-highest after London (EUR 11.4 billion). The per capita cost in the Romanian capital is slightly over EUR 3,000.
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BUCHAREST, APR 3: An exhibition dedicated to Romanian art opened in the boarding area of Bucharest's Henri Coanda International Airport (also known as the Otopeni Airport).
The exhibition, which will stay open until September 30, is
part of the Art Safari Airport Museum - a joint initiative of Art Safari and
the Bucharest Airports National Company aimed at promoting Romanian art.
"Following the model of the world's major airports - San Francisco, Istanbul, Amsterdam or Shanghai - whose terminals host exhibits representative for the history and art of the host country, the exhibition showcases at the Bucharest airport will help reveal the national identity through visual art while making the travelers' experience more pleasant,".
The first exhibition hosted by Art Safari Airport Museum is organized in partnership with the Museum of Bucharest. It features paintings by Alexandru Ciucurencu, Vasile Grigore, Ion Musceleanu, Spiru Vergulescu, Ion Grigore, and Zamfir Dumitrescu, as well as contemporary works of art signed by artists such as Sami Briss, Georges Mazilu, Ana Ruxandra Ilfoveanu, Petre Velicu, and Felix Aftene.
The organizers said they plan to renew the exhibition with new themes and artists, most likely once every six months.
"Airports occupy an important place in our lives, being the first stop where people come into contact with another country. That is why we strive to turn the time spent in this space into a unique experience, giving them some clues about what Romania means. The Romanian art is a compelling argument, so in an extremely delicate current context, we support Romanian art by promoting it and presenting it to the public in a dedicated space at the Henri Coanda International Airport," said Cosmin Catalin Pestesan, general manager of the Bucharest Airports National Company.
Art Safari, an independent cultural operator present on the Romanian art scene, is best known for organizing the annual Bucharest Art Pavilion, whose exhibitions have been visited by approximately 195,000 people in the seven editions so far.
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COURTESY romania-insider.com
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BAKU, APR 3: Parliament of Azerbaijan has ratified an agreement with Pakistan in the field of prevention of emergency situations, Trend reports.
At a plenary session of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, the bill ‘On Approval of an Agreement on Cooperation in the Sphere of Prevention, Limitation and Mitigation of the Consequences of Emergencies Between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Government of Pakistan’ was discussed.
During the discussions, the participants noted that this document will make an important contribution to strengthening relations between the two friendly countries.
As a result, the bill was put to a vote and adopted.
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• Imran stresses importance of improved internet connectivity in GB
• Aide says cultural heritage to be preserved while working on Ravi project
ISLAMABAD, APR 3: With regards to the Economic Coordination Committee’s (ECC) decision to allow import of sugar, cotton and cotton yarn from India, Prime Minister Imran Khan held consultations with key members of his cabinet on Friday and decided that Pakistan could not go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances.
Pakistan has constantly stated that any forward movement requires India to create an enabling environment by revisiting its unilateral and illegal measures of August 5, 2019 regarding India-held Kashmir.
Sources said that the prime minister instructed the Ministry of Commerce and his economic team to immediately take steps to facilitate the relevant sectors, value added, apparel and sugar, by finding alternative cheap sources of import of the needed commodities.
According to the sources, various proposals have been presented to the ECC which considers these suggestions from economic and commercial point of view. After consideration by the ECC, its decisions are presented to the cabinet for ratification and final approval.
The source said that in the present case, a proposal was presented to the ECC to allow import of cotton, cotton yarn and sugar from India keeping in view domestic requirements.
The ECC had decided on commercial grounds to recommend these imports for the cabinet’s consideration.
While this decision was not on the formal agenda of the cabinet meeting, the issue was brought up by cabinet members and the prime minister instructed that the ECCs decision be deferred and immediately reviewed.
Internet facilities in GB
Prime Minister Khan said that provision of 3G and 4G internet services and improving connectivity in Gilgit Baltistan were vital for exploiting the true potential of local youth and promoting tourism in the area.
It would also help the youth in getting online education and utilising their capabilities through information technology, besides benefiting from the potential of tourism, he said.
The prime minister was presiding over a meeting held here for bringing about further improvement in connectivity in Gilgit Baltistan.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Ameen Gandapur, Minister for Information Technology Amin-ul-Haq, GB Chief Minister Muhammad Khalid Khursheed and senior officials.
The meeting deliberated on various projects for bringing about further improvement in communication links and internet facilities in GB.
The prime minister said that the government was committed to development of Gilgit Baltistan and had approved a historic development package for GB, which would herald a new era of progress in the region.
He said that as compared to past the incumbent government was giving special attention to improving connectivity in GB and its commitment was evident from 250 per cent increase in allocation of funds for communication links in the region.
The prime minister directed the Ministry of Information Technology, Special Communications Organisation and Pakistan Telecommunications Authority to continue to strive for improved connectivity in GB.
Ravi river project
Special Assistant to the PM (SAPM) on Political Communication Dr Shahbaz Gill said on Friday that with the commencement of work on Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project, preservation of relics of ancient civilisation and cultural heritage along the banks of the river would be ensured with special focus on environmental aspect of the project.
He said deliberations were being made for installation of water treatment plants on the pattern of River Thames.
He said the prime minister was constantly seeking updates about the project on daily basis for the last one year, which would be initiated after reviewing its economic viability.
He said that the prime minister had given approval for construction of residential flats for media persons in Lahore besides reserving quota for them in housing schemes of other cities. “The government is giving subsidy of Rs300,000 against each residential unit on first 100,000 houses to be built under the Naya Pakistan Housing Programme,” he added.
Addressing a press conference along with Minister for Finance Hammad Azhar, the SAPM said earlier deliberations and attempts were made by different governments for execution of an urban development project along Ravi River during last 40 years but each time it remained inconclusive.
The government had for the first time seriously started working on the project as the prime minister always accepted challenges, he added.
During a presentation, the prime minister was told by the Punjab chief secretary about the two times rapid horizontal growth of Lahore city during last 20 years, he said, adding that it was all due to ill planning and ruthless land grabbing by political land mafia backed by different regimes.
Mr Gill said that Prime Minister Khan himself belonged to Lahore city and had concern about the growing civic issues of the city and lowering of its underground water table.
Responding to a question about the Supreme Court verdict in Daska by-election case, he said that the PTI had always respected decisions by courts and the recent verdict of the apex court would be accepted with same spirit.
He said the accused in sugar scam had been exposed for the first time under the incumbent government which had fixed standard market rate of the commodity. He said that a new law to monitor supply chain of sugar had been introduced in Punjab.
About the economic growth rate, he claimed that the domestic car manufacturing in March had broken the record of last 30 years.
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SUPERSPORT PARK CENTURION, APR 3: A century by Babar Azam set up a three-wicket, last-ball win for Pakistan in the first one-day international against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday.
The Pakistan captain hit a stroke-filled 103 off 104 balls but his dismissal started a collapse in which fast bowler Anrich Nortje took four wickets in four overs.
Rassie van der Dussen hit 123 not out, his maiden international century.
But South Africa's total of 273 for six did not seem enough as Babar and Imam-ul-Haq (70) put on 177 for Pakistan's second wicket, taking them to within 88 runs of victory with 18.2 overs left before Babar was caught behind off Nortje.
Four wickets fell for 17 runs.
Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan steadied the innings in a partnership of 53 but both were dismissed in the closing overs before Faheem Ashraf hit the winning run off the final ball.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam earlier said the presence of some moisture in the pitch influenced his decision to bowl first. Pakistan gave a first cap to batsman Danish Aziz.
Temba Bavuma, captaining South Africa for the first time, said the hosts would seek to post a total of about 280.
“There might be something in the wicket for the bowlers but on this ground we can score quite a lot at the end if there are wickets in hand.”
Both teams opted for pace-based bowling attacks, with three specialist fast bowlers, one spinner and a seam-bowling all-rounder.
The three-match series is part of the International Cricket Council's World Cup Super League.
Teams:
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (capt), Quinton de Kock (wkt), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
Pakistan: Babar Azam (capt), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Rizwan (wkt), Danish Aziz, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf
Umpires: Marais Erasmus, Adrian Holdstock (both RSA) TV umpire: Allahudien Paleker (RSA) Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)
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ISLAMABAD, APR 3: Britain said on Friday it would add Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan and the Philippines to its travel “red list”, banning entry to people arriving from those countries unless they are British or Irish nationals.
British High Commissioner Christian Turner made the announcement on Twitter.
Those who come to Britain from countries on the red list will be refused entry, while returning Britons must submit to 10 days of mandatory quarantine in hotels.
In his message, Turner said that direct flights between Pakistan and the UK would continue to operate but schedules could change.
During their quarantine, people from red list countries will have to get tested for the coronavirus twice. However, a negative test result does not mean they will be allowed to shorten the time they stay under quarantine, according to the BBC.
From 4am on April 9, Pakistan, Kenya, the Philippines and Bangladesh will be put on the list, the government said, joining about three dozen other nations mainly in Africa, the Middle East and South America.
Other countries included on the list are Angola, Argentina, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burundi, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, French Guiana, Guyana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, UAE, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
There have been calls for the inclusion of some European countries where Covid-19 cases have surged, but the government has said it currently has no plans to do so.
The UK has also banned its own citizens from travelling abroad for leisure.
Virus situation in Pakistan
The third wave of the coronavirus in Pakistan has been intensifying over the last few weeks with daily cases reaching levels last seen in June and July of 2020.
During the last 24 hours, the country reported 5,234 cases. This is the highest number of cases reported so far this year, and the highest since June 20, 2020, when 5,948 cases were recorded.
The total number of cases in the country is 678,165. Deaths have risen to 14,613 after 83 fatalities were reported during the last 24 hours.
Government officials have blamed the UK variant of Covid-19 for the third wave, with Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar saying there was "no doubt" that the third wave had started in the country and the spread of the UK variant was the reason behind it.
"The phenomenon that is driving [the third wave] is the spread of the UK strain," he said at the time.
Umar had said that when the government looked at districts where a higher number of cases were reported, it found that these were areas where a large population of Pakistanis residing in Britain lived.
Similar statements were made by the health ministers of Punjab and Sindh as well.
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Friday, 2 April 2021
ISLAMABAD, APR 2: Alliance Francaise recently signed an agreement with PayPro (Private) Limited in concomitance of digitization and disruption in the economic ecosystem within the country, Alliance Francaise all set to increase accessibility and bring more digitally enabled avenues of subscription management to members, students and event participants, powered by PayPro's proprietary smart invoicing solution and digital bill collection services.
Alliance Francaise, with its rich cultural history, has given unforgettable memories to Karachi and is all set to revolutionize the way French language, entertainment and cultural diversity is brought to the heart of the city.
Alliance Francaise will now offer all those looking to benefit from their offerings,the option to book and avail services on-the-go and make their payments remotely through digital channels. Members, students and visitors can now pay for the institution’s services through any bank’s ADC channels, which include Bank Transfers through Internet Banking Portal and Mobile Banking Apps directly from their respective bank accounts, as well as their Master & Visa Debit/Credit Cards, through PayPro’s Internet Payment Gateway enabled platform specifically designed to cater brick and mortar establishments with limited online presence.
Additionally, users will be able to make payments through
any 1LINK ATM, or even through cash at PayPro’s partner OTC collection points accessible
throughout Pakistan.
Mr. Gilles Pascal, Director, Alliance Francaise said in a statement, “In these constantly changing times, the world is moving towards digitization at a faster pace than ever before. Evolution in daily practices and activities has become key to sustainability and it was not long before Alliance Francaise adopted these systems as well.
Through this partnership with PayPro we are not only
broadening our reach to make French culture more accessible, but also determining
key insights to better cater to those intrigued by it. We are constantly in
search for innovative ways in which we can seamlessly deliver our services
across the board.”
Chief Operating Officer, PayPro, Taimur Ahmad said on the occasion, “Alliance Francaise serves as a center for promotion of French language and heritage in Pakistan. It is a source for our countries and their respective citizens to come together and form bonds that transcend physical borders.
At PayPro, we are continuously pushing the envelope for the
promotion of digital financial solutions across the country and in this regard,
we rely on continuously forging new partnerships with a variety of stakeholders
like Alliance Francaise.”
About Alliance
Francaise
The Alliance Francaise de Karachi is a Pakistani nonprofit
organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860, and
affiliated to the Alliance Francaise, an international organization with the
mission of promoting French language, Francophone culture, and cultural
diversity in cities around the world. Its Karachi chapter is more than just a
language school; it is the epicenter of French heritage located at the heart of
the city, offering year-round events ranging from concerts to talks featuring
local and international guests. Alliance Francaise is the largest French
cultural center in Pakistan.
About PayPro
PayPro is a SECP registered Private Limited company which develops financial technology products with a vision to digitize the SME and informal sector in Pakistan. PayPro provides smart invoicing and subscription management services with integrated payment solutions.
PayPro’s proprietary billing solution is powered through a strategic alliance with 1LINK while the platform itself is integrated with 30+ financial institutions including banks, digital wallets, branchless banking services and OTC collection points with a nationwide presence to ensure a seamless payment process for end consumers.
Today, the company has 500+ established enterprises accepting payments through digital channels, transforming their business operations for the new normal.
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ISLAMABAD, APR 2: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected the PTI's appeal against the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) directives to conduct re-polling in the entire constituency of NA-75 Daska.
A three-judge Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial had taken up an appeal filed by PTI candidate Ali Asjad Malhi challenging the ECP’s Feb 25 decision to order re-election in the constituency.
In the short order, Justice Bandial said the court had taken the decision in light of the law, the Constitution and its own jurisdiction. The judge also remarked that "guidelines" will be issued to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A detailed verdict is expected to be issued later.
On March 25, the Supreme Court had ordered the ECP to postpone the schedule for holding the by-poll on April 10 in the contentious constituency.
Speaking to the media, Malhi said that the PTI will think about filing a review petition after the detailed judgement is released. "We are confident about beating the PML-N," he said, adding that he respected the apex court's decision.
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